2-5-26 - SFUSD’s plans to support students during possible strike

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Dear SFUSD Community:

As I shared with you this morning, the San Francisco Unified School District received notice from United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) of their intent to strike on Monday, Feb. 9.

I want you to know how deeply we value our educators and how committed I am to avoiding a strike. I share the concerns this news may bring to families. My top priority is reaching an agreement with our labor partners while also preparing to support students and families should there be disruptions to the school day.

Schools will be open tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 6.

Today at 5:00 p.m., we will be meeting with UESF to continue negotiations. We will be presenting a proposal that addresses many of our educators’ priorities, including fully funding family healthcare and offering wage increases that are sustainable for the district. I am hopeful this will be a meaningful and productive conversation, and we will continue working around the clock to reach an agreement. I also want to acknowledge that everyone in these negotiations has the best interest of our students in mind.

In order to prepare for all contingencies, the Board of Education has already approved an emergency resolution that authorizes me to make operational decisions if a strike were to occur. This allows us to plan responsibly for possible disruptions to the school day, including the possibility of school closures, should they become necessary.

Our planning is focused on four key areas:

  • Learning continuity, so students can continue their education as smoothly as possible
  • Student safety and support, including coordination with community-based organizations, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF), and the City’s youth violence prevention efforts, with special attention to students with the greatest needs and those most underserved
  • Security and operational planning for our schools and work sites
  • Staff guidance and staffing plans to support school operations

While closing schools is always a last resort, it’s a very real possibility. My decision to do so would be guided by three key criteria:

  • Maintaining safe and appropriate student-to-staff ratios
  • Our ability to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Our ability to maintain safe, hygienic, welcoming, and supportive school environments for students and staff

We will continue to share updates as soon as more information becomes available. Families, please update your student’s emergency contact information in ParentVUE to receive the latest information and resources as soon as they become available.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and partnership as we navigate this together. Our students, families, and staff remain at the center of every decision we make.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria Su

SFUSD Superintendent

Negotiations Update