Announcement Details
Announcement Message
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Dear SFUSD Community:
I am writing to share an update on the district’s budget process from Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
First, I want to acknowledge the feedback I’ve received about the desire for more transparent and timely communication about our budget. I recognize that the recent information about our draft staffing model may have caused concern.
Over the past two months, we held a series of budget town halls across the district to hear directly from families about their priorities and concerns. We’ve also had discussions with parents, principals, educators, and the school board. We heard loud and clear that we need to center student learning, support, and safety in all of our decisions. We are taking your input seriously and are balancing our budget carefully and responsibly.
Importantly, our current proposals are not final. Our budget will not be finalized until June 2026.
Last week we presented an update on how much money we’re bringing in and spending for this current school year, known as our First Interim Report. The good news is that we’re on the right path to fiscal solvency for the first time in years – but we’re not at the finish line yet.
Right now, we are at the beginning of next year’s budget development. Recently, we shared our most conservative staffing model, which presented possible reductions we may need to make in order to close our structural deficit and stabilize the district. These ongoing conversations aren’t easy, but they are necessary.
Please know that I share your concerns about the potential reduction of social workers. As a district, we also have to stay on course toward fiscal stability. I’m pleased to let you know that we will be reallocating restricted money to close this gap at all of our schools. However, using these funds means they cannot be applied to other needs, but this approach allows us to protect critical student supports without jeopardizing our long-term fiscal stabilization plan. This is one example of how our budget evolves to reflect our community’s values.
The budget is an ongoing process, and there is still important work ahead as we move to finalize the staffing model. You have my commitment to be transparent and clear with updates and opportunities for input, and to not make more cuts than necessary.
I hope you can join me by staying engaged – you can participate in school site councils and stay involved in your school communities to help inform our ongoing budget planning efforts.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Even in challenging times, our students and their success remains at the forefront of our work and all of our decisions.
In partnership,
Dr. Maria Su
SFUSD Superintendent