Introduction
Background
During the 2023-24 school year, SFUSD staff will propose plans to ensure that we can attract and retain qualified and caring educators and staff, provide safe and welcoming learning environments for our students, and deliver programs and services that can help our students be successful and thrive. These proposals will align the district's resources and operations with its adopted Vision, Values, Goals, and Guardrails. SFUSD is committed to ensuring that our communities’ voices are honored and respected in the process.
The district will convene a District Advisory Committee (DAC) to deliberate and provide public feedback on resource alignment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please see SFUSD's responses to frequently asked questions regarding the District Advisory Committee (DAC).
What is the purpose of the District Advisory Committee?
The District Advisory Committee will deliberate and provide public feedback on each of the proposals for resource alignment. The Committee will meet on an at least monthly basis. A District Advisory Committee does not have authority to close schools. The District Advisory Committee will present the proposals to the Board of Education to take action.
Who are the members of the District Advisory Committee (DAC)?
The DAC will consist of 11 members that represent the diversity of the district’s community, including parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, community organization partners to SFUSD, labor partners, land use experts, business community members, and neighborhood association or other affiliations representing landowners and/or renter interests.
What is the selection process for the District Advisory Committee (DAC)?
The district will convene an Appointments Committee to review applications and recommend them to the Board of Education. The committee will consist of SF Board of Education leadership, Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne, and up to two additional Commissioners to be chosen by the Board President. (Per Board Policy 9140, “the President may appoint any Board member to serve as the Board’s representative on a District committee.”)
How can the community share their input other than DAC? How do I participate?
The district will engage in a meaningful consultative process with the community that includes: (a) a lead committee that represents various constituents and develops recommendations with staff about major decisions; (b) direct engagement with labor partners, particularly when the decision is subject to bargaining; (c) broader opportunities for families. staff, and community members to share their perspectives on a decision (e.g. surveys, town halls or other forums) and (e) connections with specific constituents based on the decision topic (e.g. City and County of San Francisco or Community Based Organizations)
The DAC Members
| Name | DAC Seat |
| Geri Almanza | Labor |
| Tai-Sun Schoeman | Labor |
| Sarah Wilson | Labor |
| Camille Seiberling | Business |
| Edward Parillon | Land Use |
| Omolade Rosalyn Roddy | CBO |
| Karen Rolph Morales | Neighborhood, Owner or Renter |
| Asipesionau Finau | Parent |
| Teddy Gomes | Parent |
| Orlando Leon | Parent |
| Debby Lu | Parent |
Community Engagement Opportunities
The district will engage in a meaningful consultative process with the community that includes:
- A lead committee that represents various constituents and develops recommendations with staff about major decisions (e.g. a District Advisory Committee )
- Direct engagement with labor partners, particularly when the decision is subject to bargaining
- Engagement with schools through School Site Councils, school teams, or other forums
- Broader opportunities for families, staff, and community members to share their perspectives on a decision (e.g. through surveys, town halls, or other forums)
- Connections with specific constituents based on the decision topic (e.g. City and County of San Francisco or Community Based Organizations)
District Advisory Committee (DAC)
In compliance with Section 17388 of California Education Code, SFUSD will form a District Advisory Committee (DAC) in order to consider solutions to address declining enrollment, including but not limited to possible school closures or how to best utilize unused facilities space. Section 17388 of California Education Code requires districts to “have the community involved before decisions are made about school closure or the use of surplus space, thus avoiding community conflict and assuring building use that is compatible with the community’s needs and desires.” Section 17388 specifies that the committee shall consist of between seven and 11 members, representing the ethnic, age group, and socioeconomic composition of the district, as well as: “the business community, landowners or renters, teachers, administrators, parents of students, and persons with expertise in environmental impact, building codes, and land use planning…"
The district will exhaust every possible option before pursuing school closures to address the dire realities of declining student enrollment, and SFUSD is committed to ensuring robust community engagement before decisions are made.
This page was last updated on November 22, 2023