East San Jose education leaders at odds with push to reopen schools February 23, 2021 San Jose students take part in a lesson. Photo courtesy of East Side Union High School District. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo’s efforts through his new advocacy organization to reopen San Jose schools is sparking frustration for some — particularly communities of color. Liccardo launched a petition through Solutions San Jose — sending two emails within 24 hours — to gather signatures demanding COVID-19 vaccines be prioritized for teachers and to reopen elementary schools. Liccardo said the continual closure of schools has created a “separate and unequal” education system — unfairly hurting low-income families.