The town hall focused on discussing budget challenges and governance issues within the San Francisco Unified School District, including concerns about transparency, allocation of funds, and the impact of charter schools on public education. Parents and community members expressed frustration with the current system and emphasized the need for increased community involvement and action to address these issues. The experts also discussed the importance of reforming Proposition 13, protecting student-facing positions, and advocating for fully funded public schools with sustainable community services.
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This is a call to action urging San Franciscans to contact the Board of Supervisors and demand the reinstatement of remote public comment for committee meetings. The ability to provide comment remotely was eliminated in Fall 2023, limiting participation for those unable to attend in-person meetings. The organizers highlight the challenges this poses for parents and working individuals, emphasizing that excluding community voices undermines democratic participation. They provide a link to a letter-writing tool and encourage community members to get involved
Despite abandoning a plan to close 11 schools in October 2024, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) considered eliminating general education (GE) school bus service, impacting roughly 2000 students and saving a mere $2.6 million. While this was included in the December 2024 Fiscal Stabilization Plan, it was later deemed an "old plan" and cancelled. The author argues this cut is shortsighted, as it disproportionately affects low-income and English-learner students who rely on bus service to access diverse school programs across the city. Eliminating the buses would not only shift transportation costs to families but also exacerbate existing inequalities. The state subsidizes 60% of bus costs, meaning the district wouldn't realize the full projected savings. Further, the district lacks data to conduct an equity analysis of the impact of this cut, highlighting a lack of transparency and consideration for the logistical challenges faced by families, particularly those in lower-income neighborhoods. A more equitable solution would involve re-evaluating school program locations and the school assignment system to minimize the need for extensive bus routes.
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This excerpt expresses deep concern over the impact of budget cuts and a new staffing model on special education in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The author raises critical questions about how the district can fulfill its legal and ethical obligations to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) while facing significant staff shortages and reductions in support services. The piece highlights the impossibility of meeting LCAP priorities (improving literacy and math interventions, increasing graduation rates, addressing chronic absenteeism, and providing social-emotional support) without adequate staffing. The author emphasizes the unsustainable workload placed on educators and the potential for further staff attrition, ultimately questioning how the district can maintain quality education under these conditions. The central plea is for community engagement and a transparent decision-making process that prioritizes student well-being.
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