Keeping Our Schools Safe

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Grade Level
Early Education
Elementary School
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Originally posted on Dec. 2, 2025: 

​​Dear SFUSD Community,

In light of the recent incident at Burton High School earlier today, I am writing to reiterate our commitment to making sure that schools are safe places where students can learn and thrive.

Earlier today, there was a gun-related incident at Burton High School that resulted in a student being injured. The student was transported to the hospital and is expected to be okay.  

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) responded immediately, and the school implemented a secure protocol out of an abundance of caution. At this time, SFPD has indicated the incident appears to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the school community. The incident remains under investigation by the police.

SFUSD is providing wellness support to students and staff at the school. We are grateful for the swift response of our educators, school leaders, and SFPD. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text TIP411 with the message beginning “SFPD.”

Our Student and Family Services Division is working to ensure that additional safety measures and supports are available across our schools. All schools have a plan in the event of an emergency, including protocols for communicating with families. We encourage families to remind students that if they need support or someone to talk to, they can reach out to their school’s Wellness Center, social worker, counselor, teacher, principal, or another trusted adult on campus.

In addition to wellness supports, San Francisco public schools and law enforcement work together to keep our children and communities safe. We encourage all families to help prevent tragedies by following these key safety steps:

  • Store firearms securely — locked, unloaded, and with ammunition stored separately.
  • Ask about unsecured guns in homes your children visit.
  • Recognize and act on warning signs of suicide or depression.

Gun owners can be held liable under California law if firearms are not properly secured. The End Family Fire website offers guidance on safe storage. Free gun locks are available through the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department at 415-554-7225.

For help starting conversations with students about gun safety, visit Brady’s Asking Saves Kids (ASK) website.

If you’re concerned about someone in crisis:

  • Call 911 in an emergency
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Together, we can keep our schools and communities safe—creating the secure, supportive environment our students need to learn and grow.

 

Sincerely,

Maria Su

SFUSD Superintendent