Current News from SFUSD

10/28/21 - SF Board of Education Details Plans to Utilize One Time 
Federal Stimulus Funding

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the San Francisco County Office of Education have collectively received $96,728,035 in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, referred to as ESSER III funds. 

10/19/21 - SFUSD Seeking Public Input for New Student Assignment Policy

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is developing a new student assignment system for elementary schools, and invites current, future and former SFUSD families, community partners, and members of the public to join virtual workshops this fall to help develop new school zones for elementary schools.

10/18/21 - SF State, SFDPH, and SFUSD Collaborate to Offer Scholarships for San Francisco Youth Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine

San Francisco State University (SF State), the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced today a new scholarship program for San Francisco residents ages 12 to 17 who received the COVID-19 vaccine.

10/12/21 - SF Board of Education Selects Three Search Firms to Interview for Superintendent Search

The San Francisco Board of Education has reached the next step in its search for a new superintendent for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The Board has selected three search firms for consideration and the firms will deliver presentations at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.

9/29/21 - San Francisco to Open COVID-19 Testing Site for SFUSD Students and Staff

Mayor London N. Breed, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will launch a new COVID-19 testing site in a parking lot near the Crocker Amazon sports complex, located at 799 Moscow Street and Geneva Street, in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). 

9/13/21 - San Francisco Opening Four New Vaccination Sites at SFUSD Schools

Vaccination sites are launching this week at four schools in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in order to further support vaccination among eligible individuals in schools and the surrounding community.

9/2/21 - Over 7,000 SFUSD Staff Report Being Fully Vaccinated

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews announced that of the 7,584 employees who reported their COVID-19 vaccination status by the August 31 deadline, 96% are fully vaccinated.

8/24/21 - SF Board of Education Seeks Firm to Lead Search for New Superintendent

The San Francisco Board of Education has commenced its search for a new superintendent and outlined the upcoming deadlines and opportunities for the public to participate in the process of selecting a firm to lead the search for candidates. 

8/23/21 - SFUSD Planning to Increase Supply of Portable Air Cleaners

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) classrooms that rely on open windows to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 will soon be able to deploy portable air cleaners (PACs) as needed to improve indoor air quality during fire season. 

8/16/21 - SFUSD Opens to Full In-Person Learning for 2021-2022 School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has resumed in-person learning full time at all schools, five days a week. SFUSD has put in place safety standards and protocols at every campus to welcome students back for the 2021-22 school year.

8/12/21 - SFUSD and Unions Reach Tentative Agreement on Updated Health and Safety Standards for School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the International Federation Professional Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Local 21; Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 1021; United Administrators of San Francisco (UASF); United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) have reached a tentative agreement related to updated health and safety standards through July 31, 2022, which is intended to keep all schools and district facilities open for safe, full in-person instruction at all grade levels.

8/10/21 - SFUSD Will Require Vaccinations for Staff

Starting September 7, all SFUSD employees will be required to be fully vaccinated. Any employee who is not yet vaccinated will be mandated to test for COVID at least weekly. SFUSD has approximately 10,000 employees.

8/9/21 - SFUSD Expands Access to Health and Wellness Supports for Students

As part of its preparations for a full return to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is committed to supporting students’ mental health and wellness and, with the help of a private donation, will be able to offer more health and wellness services for middle school students, starting with three schools in SFUSD.

8/5/21 - Californian’s Largest Urban School Districts Prioritize the Highest Safety Standards to Welcome Students to In-Person Instruction

The following is a joint statement from San Francisco Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Long Beach Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Diego Unified School District, and Fresno Unified School District.

7/30/21 - Bay Area Superintendents Announce Support of Full, In-Person Learning

Schools throughout California are planning for reopening of school campuses in the coming days and weeks. The County Superintendents of Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda counties, as well as the City of Berkeley, announced today their unified support for full, in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.

7/29/21 - SFUSD Will Offer Free Meals for All Students in 2021-2022 School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) will offer free meals to all students in the 2021-22 school year, continuing the district’s efforts to ensure all children receive healthy and nutritious meals in San Francisco especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7/7/21 - SFUSD to Continue Student and Family Resource Link Started in Pandemic

After a year since its inception, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced that it will continue its Student and Family Resource Link service to support students and families in navigating all of the SFUSD resources available to them.

7/1/21 - SFUSD and UCSF Partner to Prepare for School Opening in Fall 2021

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are teaming up to inform students, families and staff about health and safety protocols as they prepare for a full district-wide return to in-person learning five days a week when the school year begins on Aug. 16. 

6/23/21 - SF Board of Education Approves Budget for 2021-22 School Year

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved the $1.16 billion total operating budget for the 2021-22 school year.

5/26/21 - San Francisco to Provide Expanded Mental Health Services for Students

With the help of a private contribution from an anonymous donor, the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF) and the School District will be able to expand mental health services for SFUSD middle school students over the next four years.

5/25/21 - SFUSD Preparing for Full Return in Fall 2021 

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing for a full return to in-person learning for all students on August 16, 2021 and many students will be returning to new school start times for the 2021-22 school year. 

5/11/21 - More SFUSD High School Seniors Returning to School Campuses

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is offering in-person learning opportunities to more students in the 12th grade who wish to return. SFUSD previously offered in-person learning to nearly 5,000 secondary students in focal populations beginning in April.

April 2021

4/26/21 - SFUSD Welcomes Back Secondary Students in Focal Populations

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is welcoming back almost 2,000 middle and high school students in focal populations to in-person learning beginning today, April 26.

4/21/21 - SF Board of Education Elects Faauuga Moliga as Vice President

The San Francisco Board of Education elected Faauuga Moliga to serve as vice president for the remainder of the 2021 year.

4/9/21 - SFUSD Superintendent Shares Updates on In-Person Learning as School Sites Set to Reopen

On Monday, April 12, 11 early education preschool sites, 22 elementary schools and three County schools in SFUSD will reopen to some students for in-person learning.

4/7/21 - SF Board of Education Commits to Returning All Students to Full-Time In-Person Learning for Fall 2021

The San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday for all San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students to have the option to return to full-time in-person school starting the first day of the 2021-2022 academic school year, assuming public health guidelines allow. 

4/5/21 - SFUSD Superintendent Announces Decision to Postpone Retirement Until June 30, 2022

Last month San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews announced he would retire on June 30, 2021. After discussions with SF Board of Education President Gabriela López, he has agreed to remain serving as SFUSD’s superintendent for another year.

3/31/21 - SFUSD Shares Resources to Help Students and Families Prepare to Return to In-Person Learning 

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing to gradually return up to 22,000 students to in-person learning before the end of April and is sharing critical information with families and schools to ensure students who are returning to in-person learning and students who will remain in distance learning are supported.

3/30/21 - SFUSD Hiring More Substitute Teachers

As part of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s preparation to gradually return students to in-person learning beginning on April 12, 2021, and to continue providing distance learning, the district is working to recruit and hire more substitute teachers.

3/25/21 - SF Board of Education Passes No Confidence Resolution

The San Francisco Board of Education passed the resolution “Assertion of No-Confidence,” removing Commissioner Alison M. Collins from her leadership position as Vice President and from all committees of the San Francisco Board of Education for the duration of her term and effective immediately.

3/25/21 - Superintendent Statement Regarding Court Decision Affirming SFUSD’s Plans for In-Person Learning

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following statement today in support of the Court Order recognizing that the district has sufficiently detailed plans to return students to in-person learning and denying the City Attorney’s request to compel SFUSD to take further action.

3/25/21 - SFUSD Adds Ethnic Studies as Graduation Requirement

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a change to the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s graduation requirements to include at least two semesters or 10 elective credits of Ethnic Studies, beginning with the class of 2028.

3/24/21 - SFUSD Shares Updates Regarding In-Person Learning Plans

SFUSD has released an updated Return Safely Together Plan which contains additional details regarding how the district will offer in-person learning options at a select number of schools for the district’s students. Students return starting on April 12, 2021 for the first groups and more students will return continuing through the end of April. Based on family responses to date, the district expects to serve over 20,000 students in person by the end of April.

3/22/21 - SFUSD Sending School Assignments to Thousands of Students for 2021-22 School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) sent out nearly 14,000 school assignment letters to students, primarily rising transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade students.

3/17/21 - City Supervisors’ Proposal Would Expand SFUSD High School Internship Program with College Credit for Summer 2021

With support from SF Board of Education Vice President Alison M. Collins, Supervisors Gordon Mar and Matt Haney connected with SFUSD staff to explore opportunities for expanded high school learning. Now Supervisors Mar and Haney are advocating for $2.6 million in funding to bolster SFUSD’s Early College Interns program.

3/17/21 - SFUSD to Resume High School Athletics Programs on April 12

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing for the return of extracurricular athletics for high school student athletes to practice and compete this spring, beginning April 12, 2021.

3/11/21 - Letter to SFUSD Community Regarding Commitment to In-Person Learning for Fall 2021

San Francisco Board of Education President Gabriela Lopez and San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following letter regarding in-person learning updates with the school district community today.

3/10/21 - Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews Announces Retirement

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following statement this morning. "With a heavy heart, I want to share the news that I plan to retire from SFUSD on June 30, 2021. I am eternally grateful to the community and the school board for allowing me to have had the opportunity to serve the community that raised me and made me who I am."

3/9/21 - SFUSD Launches New Public Data Dashboard

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has launched a new official data dashboard built for the public.

3/8/21 - SFUSD Shares Timeline and More Details About In-Person Learning

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has released an updated Return Safely Together Plan which contains additional details regarding how the District will offer in-person learning options at a select number of schools for the District’s youngest students (those in Phase 2A) starting on April 12, 2021, and in-person options for additional students before the end of April.

3/5/21 - SFUSD Preparing to Offer In-Person Learning at Some Schools Beginning April 12

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews and San Francisco Board of Education President Gabriela Lopez announced today that SFUSD is on track to offer in-person learning options at a select number of schools for the District’s youngest students (those in Phase 2A) starting on April 12, 2021. Additional students will be offered in-person options before the end of April.

3/3/21 - SFUSD and SF County Office of Education Leaders Call on City of San Francisco to Do More to Support Vaccines for Educators

SF Board of Education President Gabriela Lopez and SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews are calling on the City and County of San Francisco to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines for educators. Vaccines are a major tool to defeat the pandemic and a way to help ensure educators are safe once in-person learning resumes. 

3/2/21 - SFUSD and the San Francisco Education Fund Gather Donations for Families in Need

In response to requests for support from school staff on behalf of families, especially those who cannot access government aid, the SFUSD and the SF Ed Fund are launching the COVID-19 Relief Fund For SFUSD Families with a goal of raising $250,000 to support 1,000 SFUSD families.

2/24/21 - SF Board of Education Approves Health and Safety Agreement with Unions, Discusses Update to In-Person Learning Plans

The Board also discussed updates to SFUSD’s plans for in-person learning including testing and vaccinations, the instructional program, and a new assessment center.

2/19/21 - SFUSD Strengthens Science Education to Adapt to Distance Learning

Science teachers in grades PK-12 are creating interactive experiences for students learning remotely through multimedia, simulations, recorded demos of lab experiments, and guest speakers.

2/17/21 - SFUSD Shares Updates on Return to In-Person Learning

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the SF Board of Education shared that six school sites have been inspected by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and these facilities are ready for safe in-person learning.

2/15/21 - Mission Bay School Receives $2 Million Gift from Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has received a commitment for a $2 million community benefit gift from Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. to support the development of a long-planned new school in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood.

2/10/21 - SF Board of Education to Conduct Equity Audit

The San Francisco Board of Education voted 5-2 for an equity audit led by community leaders and to use the regular admissions process for SFUSD comprehensive high schools for future admissions to Lowell High School. 

2/7/21 - SFUSD, Unions Reach Tentative Agreement on Health and Safety Standards for In-Person Learning

Per the tentative agreement, the unions and SFUSD agreed on baseline health and safety standards. This tentative agreement updates the district’s criteria, including new agreements for when it will begin in-person learning.

2/3/21 - Statements from SFUSD Superintendent Matthews and SF Board of Education President Lopez Regarding City’s Lawsuit Falsely Claiming SFUSD Has No Reopening Plan

2/2/21 - SF Board of Education Introduces Resolution Regarding Lowell High School

Members of the San Francisco Board of Education will introduce a resolution at its Committee of the Whole meeting on February 2, 2021 regarding Lowell High School. The resolution calls for an equity audit led by community leaders and to use the regular admissions process that is used by other comprehensive high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

1/27/21 - SF Board of Education Votes to Make Reparations to American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities

The resolution, “In Support of Reclaiming the American Indian/Alaskan Native Narrative,” was co-authored by Board Vice President Alison M. Collins and Commissioner Mark Sanchez.

1/27/21 - SF Board of Education Advances Plan to Rename Schools

The San Francisco Board of Education conducted a review of the 46 campuses that have been recommended by a volunteer panel to be considered for renaming and passed a resolution Tuesday to further the process for renaming those schools.

1/25/21 - SF Board of Education Regular Meetings Put SFUSD Student Public Comment on the Agenda

Starting with the general SF Board of Education meeting on January 26, 2021, the SF BOE will hear first from SFUSD students who wish to speak on any matter.

1/21/21 - SF Board President Gabriela López, SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews, and Lowell High School Principal Dacotah Swett Condemn Racist and Offensive Content on School’s Virtual Bulletin Board

1/13/21 - SF Board of Education Elects Leaders for 2021

Gabriela López, who served as vice president of the Board last year, was elected to serve as president in 2021. Alison M. Collins was elected to serve as vice president.

1/6/21 - Seven California Superintendents Send Letter to Governor Newsom Regarding 'Safe Schools for All' Plan

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews along with six other California superintendents today sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom in response to the “Safe Schools for All” plan.

1/5/21 - SFUSD Teachers Offered Gift of Second Screen to Support with Distance Teaching

Teachers from the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) are eligible to receive a free computer monitor to use as a second screen from nonprofit organization Two Screens for Teachers. During distance learning, the second screen would help teachers better manage work related to online instruction.

1/4/21 - Four Commissioners Sworn in to SF Board of Education 

Four commissioners, including two who were first elected November 2020, have been sworn in to serve on the San Francisco Board of Education. Matt Alexander, Kevine Boggess, Jenny Lam, and Mark Sanchez took the oath of office on January 4, 2021.

12/29/20 - Mayor London Breed and Superintendent Matthews Announce Partnership to Provide Testing to Support School Site Reopening

SFUSD is working with the SF Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Latino Task Force (LTF) to support testing and site assessment. This testing support, which includes funding from the Department of Children, Youth and their Families (DCYF), is part of how the City is continuing to work with the District to support staff and students in preparation for the return of in-person learning next year.

12/18/20 - SFUSD Updates Timeline for In-Person Learning

While there has been steady progress in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s work to prepare for a safe return to in-person learning during the pandemic, progress has been slower on actions and plans that are dependent on SFUSD completing bargaining with the labor organizations that represent district employees, and SFUSD will not begin its phased approach and reopen the first 12 schools to in-person instruction on January 25, 2021 as originally proposed.

12/15/20 - SFUSD and SFMOMA Partner to Create and Distribute 2,000 Visual Art Kits for Third to Fifth Graders at 13 Schools

Two thousand art supply kits with curriculum materials from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) were distributed to 13 elementary schools in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The supplies and materials will help 3rd to 5th graders at PITCH schools with distance learning for the visual arts and inspire a bit of at-home creativity.

12/14/20 - SFUSD’s Graduation Rate Rises to 87.3%

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released its 2019-20 Cohort Outcome Data, which includes graduation rates. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) cohort graduation rate improved from 84.4% in 2016-17 to 87.3% in 2019-20.

12/10/20 - SF Board of Education Approves New Student Assignment Policy for Elementary Students

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a new, zone-based student assignment policy for elementary schools that supports the Board’s goals of diverse school enrollment, and predictable school assignment within reasonable geographic distance to where families reside.

12/9/20 - SFUSD Submits Letter of Interest to Reopen Schools

As part of its plans to begin offering in-person learning to students enrolled in certain grades and programs at a set of schools, the San Francisco Unified School District SFUSD) has submitted a Letter of Interest (LOI) to the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), marking the first step in the process to obtain City approval before reopening school buildings to in-person instruction.

12/7/20 - SFUSD Celebrates Inclusive Schools Week

SFUSD celebrates Inclusive Schools Week December 7 to 11 with activities taking place during the week and sharing resources to be utilized all year round by teachers, families, and students.

12/1/20 - SFUSD Will Provide Free Meals for All Children in San Francisco Regardless of SFUSD Enrollment

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) will begin offering free grab-and-go meals to all children 18 and younger in San Francisco beginning Thursday, December 3. Anyone under 18 may receive meals regardless of their SFUSD enrollment status. 

11/23/20 - SFUSD Surveys High School Students

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is sharing a survey with high school students in order to learn more about their mindset and experience during distance learning. 

11/19/20 - SF Board of Education Approves Resolution for a Safe Return to In-Person Learning 

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution that formalizes the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s plans for gradually returning to in-person learning while recognizing a need to safely open school buildings on a rolling basis to attend to changing health and safety factors.

11/16/20 - Culinary Course at Marshall High Provides Hands-on Learning Experience with Take-Home Kits

A culinary course at Thurgood Marshall Academic High School has taken a creative approach to teaching cooking to students from a distance. The course is part of SFUSD’s Career Pathways program, a Career Technical Education and workforce development program.

11/11/20 - Mayor Breed and Superintendent Matthews Announce New Partnership to Assess School Facilities

The city of San Francisco will send Disaster Service Workers to support District staff with classroom assessments to prepare for school reopening.

11/11/20 - SFUSD Prepares to Provide Screening Testing Services for All Staff

SFUSD has reached an agreement that will provide access to screening testing services for the staff of the District’s public schools.

11/2/2020 - SFUSD to Hold PreK-12 Virtual Enrollment Fair

As the enrollment season kicks off for the 2021-2022 school year, the San Francisco Unified School District is holding a PreK-12 Virtual Enrollment Fair and –– for the first time ever –– families can apply online. 

10/28/20 - SFUSD Fourth Graders Receive Donated Recorders to Continue Music Education at Home

More than 4,300 fourth grade students across SFUSD have received a donated recorder that will enable the district’s entire 4th grade class to participate in general music classes at home.

10/28/20 - SF Board of Education Passes Resolution to Improve Inclusion and Equity in Collecting Student Data

In an effort to better reflect the diversity of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and capture the true identities of the student population, the District will revise its data collection systems to maintain more specific racial/ethnic, national origin, language and gender specific data.

10/21/20 - SFUSD Shares Updates on School Reopening Progress

As SFUSD continues to prepare for a gradual return to in-person learning, Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared a new dashboard to monitor progress on key indicators for school buildings to safely reopen to students.

10/21/20 - Board of Education Approves Lowell High School Admissions Change for Incoming Class of Fall 2021

The one-year admissions change is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of existing criteria used in previous years to admit students.

10/20/20 - Board of Education Approves K-12 Black Studies Curriculum

The San Francisco Board of Education approved the development of a K-12 Black Studies framework and curriculum, providing an opportunity for every SFUSD student to engage in Black Studies by school year 2022-2023.

10/16/20 - Statement from SF Board of Education President Mark Sanchez Regarding the School Names Advisory Committee and Reopening SF Public Schools to In-Person Instruction

10/9/20 - Lowell High School Admissions Change for Incoming Class of Fall 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Francisco Board of Education will be holding discussions on and voting to change the admissions criteria of Lowell High School for one year (school year 2021-22).

10/9/20 - SFUSD and Nearpod Team Up to Bring Interactive Digital Instruction to 54,000 Students

Nearpod, the interactive, instructional platform that merges formative assessment and dynamic media to create engaging learning experiences, today announced its partnership with SFUSD.

10/6/20 - SFUSD and SF Public Library Launch SFPL To Go-Go

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6 p.m., the Library’s fleet of bookmobiles will park at Jose Ortega Elementary School, Willie Brown Jr. Middle School and John O’Connell High School and at Treasure Island on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. Patrons can drop-off Library materials and retrieve holds at each location. 

10/2/20 - SFUSD, UC Berkeley Launch Research Project to Engage Youth Inquiry to Reduce Inequalities in Chronic Absenteeism

SFUSD and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) have launched a joint research project to advance SFUSD’s equity goals by engaging youth-led inquiry to reduce inequalities in chronic absenteeism.

9/28/20 - SFUSD Offers Free Consultation Services to Early Education Families to Improve Distance Learning Experience

Shoestrings Children’s Center, an early intervention program in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), will begin offering consultation services to families of younger students this fall to help them improve their experience learning from home.

9/24/20 - SFUSD Shares Planning Process for Return to In-Person Learning

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent and San Francisco Board of Education discussed the District’s planning process for a return to in-person instruction this week. The District has begun the fall semester with distance learning and is preparing to move into a hybrid model for small groups of priority students once science and data suggest it is safe to do so. 

9/24/20 - SF Board of Education Updates Resolution Enhancing Equitable Services for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Students

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution that dedicates services and staff for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students. Sāmoan students—with the highest academic disparities in the district of all Pacific Islander groups—will benefit from the creation of a PreK-14 pathway program that is rooted in Sāmoa Aganu’u indigenous values & practices. The NHPI resolution will also push the district to begin data collection for Pacific Islander groups that have not been counted in the district such as Tongans and Fijians. 

9/14/20 - SFUSD’s Original Educational TV Show “SF Loves Learning” Returns for Season 2 on KTVU Plus

In partnership with KTVU, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is launching Season 2 of “SF Loves Learning,” an educational television show created entirely by San Francisco public school educators and partners especially for preschool-2nd grade students.

8/14/20 - SFUSD Continues School Nutrition Program for 2020-21

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) continues to serve free and reduced-price meals in the 2020-2021 school year.

8/7/20 - SFUSD Families Weigh in on Distance Learning

Many families indicated that health and safety are their top priority when it comes to fall learning. 

8/7/20 - SFUSD & UESF Announce Tentative Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Distance Learning During the 2020-2021 School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement in relation to distance learning for the upcoming school year.

8/4/20 - Eliminating the Digital Divide More Urgent than Ever as Schools Reopen with Distance Learning

Two weeks before the new school year gets underway with distance learning, Spark* SF Public Schools and the San Francisco Unified School District have received $10 million to help eliminate the digital divide for SF students in need. Long-time supporters of San Francisco’s public schools, Sara and Evan Williams have stepped up to narrow the gap in access to technology and support for students and families who are furthest from opportunity and most adversely impacted by the challenges posed by distance learning.

7/29/20 - SF Board of Education Approves Fall Learning Plan

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a Fall Learning Plan for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), which outlines ways the district will provide distance learning while preparing for a gradual return.

7/21/20 - SFUSD’s Teacher Credential Program Incorporates Digital Instruction to Help New Educators Teach from a Distance

The 74 participants in this year’s cohort of Pathway to Teaching, a credentialing program run by SFUSD that allows teacher candidates to earn their teaching credential while getting paid to work as a teacher, are finishing their seven weeks of coursework and applied practice and are preparing to lead classroom instruction virtually when the 2020-21 school year begins in August.

7/15/20 - SFUSD Confirms it Will Begin School Year with Distance Learning

After reviewing the best available evidence-based sources of guidance from health officials, and gathering input from staff, students, and families since last spring, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews recommended that the fall semester begin with distance learning and gradually phase in a staggered return once science and data suggest it’s safe to do so.

7/14/20 - Students Use Math, Engineering Concepts to Build Bridges Out of Popsicle Sticks in Summer Distance Learning Program

Students in the San Francisco Unified School District’s Black Star Rising 9th Grade STEM summer high school readiness and success program will engage in a virtual UCSF/Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) bridge-building contest this week to showcase their use of the math and engineering concepts they learned over the past five weeks.

6/26/20 - SFUSD Families Receive Free Thermometers to Help Track Health Symptoms

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in partnership with Kinsa, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is giving free thermometers to San Francisco families in an effort to encourage families to monitor their health. The 8,800 thermometers were donated to SFUSD’s School Health Programs Department by San Francisco-based public health and technology company Kinsa, and will be distributed to families at the District’s 19 free meals distribution sites at a one-day event on Monday, June 29. 

6/25/20 - SF Board of Education Passes Resolution in Support of November 2020 Public School Funding Ballot Measure

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday in support of a measure on the upcoming November 2020 general election ballot that could help maintain salaries for educators in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The resolution was authored by Board President Mark Sanchez.

6/24/20 - SF Board of Education Passes Resolution to Focus on Safety While Minimizing Police Presence at Schools

In alignment with a national call for police reform, the San Francisco Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday night in support of minimizing the presence of law enforcement on San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school campuses and directed the Superintendent to work with the community to revise its district safety plan. The resolution, “In Support of Black Lives in SFUSD and the Abolition of Armed Law Enforcement in Schools #BlackLivesMatter #DefundThePolice #InvestInCommunities #BlackMindsMatter,” was authored by Commissioners Alison M. Collins and Jenny Lam, Board President Mark Sanchez, and Kevine Boggess of Coleman Advocates.

6/17/20 - Students Make Use of SFUSD’s 3D Printers to Create Personal Protective Equipment

Two students at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, their teacher, and a teacher at Aptos Middle School have teamed up to create face shields with 3D printers for healthcare workers and potentially teachers once in-person teaching resumes. Students at Aptos Middle School have been creating ear-savers and “clean keys,” a 3D-printed multi-tool that can function as a stylus, bag hook, and door-opener in order to keep hands clean.

5/28/20 - SFUSD Seniors Create Stop-Motion Animated Short To Honor Class of 2020

SFUSD graduating seniors Julian Jordan and Kyle Trefny of Ruth Asawa School of the Arts have produced an animated commencement address in honor of the class of 2020. The stop-motion short film, titled “Dear Class of 2020” speaks to the challenges the Class of 2020 has faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and issues a call to action to create a safer, kinder and more sustainable future.

5/28/20 - SFUSD Provides Progress Report on COVID-19 Response

As the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) heads into the final days of the 2019-20 school year, the San Francisco Board of Education received an update on the district’s three main priorities during this time

5/21/20 - KALW, SFUSD’s Community Broadcast Service, Wins Murrow and Gracie Awards

The San Francisco Unified School District and community broadcast service KALW, a pioneer in public broadcasting since 1941, are pleased to announce recent honors for work produced in its newsroom and through partnership with independent producers and podcasters in the Bay Area.

5/11/20 - SFUSD to Conduct Wellness Check Calls with 54,000 Students

The San Francisco Unified School District is undertaking an ambitious plan to contact every one of its 54,000 students’ families to do a wellness check. Information will be recorded in the same form across all 119 PreK-12 schools so that the district can assess the needs of students and their families and better support families in coordination with service providers. 

5/7/20 - SFUSD Designs Distance Learning for English Learners

As part of the San Francisco Unified School District’s distance learning plan to support the continued education of each and every student, educators are finding new ways to provide the grade-specific English language development (ELD) support that students receive while school buildings are open. 

5/5/20 - SF Board of Education Affirms Support for CA Ethnic Studies Curriculum

Noting the San Francisco Unified School District’s commitment to equity and social justice and the diverse populations served by the City’s public schools, the San Francisco Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution affirming support for the state of California’s Ethnic Studies curriculum model.

5/4/20 - SF Board of Education Adopts Resolution to Establish Safe Sleeping Site on SFUSD Property for Unsheltered People

In partnership with the City and County of San Francisco’s efforts to protect those experiencing homelessness from the spread of COVID-19, the San Francisco Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to identify at least one District property to be used as a safe sleeping site. 

4/30/30 - SFUSD Joins Urban Schools Coalition in Calls for Congress to Provide More Funding For Public School Systems in Next Coronavirus Relief Bill

This week San Francisco Unified School District leadership joined with 62 other school districts to urge Congress to approve new funding for local school systems in the next coronavirus supplemental appropriations bill. 

4/29/20 - SF Board of Education Approves New Grading Policy for Distance Learning

The SF Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a grading policy for all San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students for the time that school buildings are closed and distance learning takes place. For students in grades 6 through 12, teachers will assign “Credit / No Credit” for each course. A student who receives “No Credit” may receive “Credit” if the student completes the required work by the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester (earlier for graduating seniors).

4/24/20 - SFUSD Announces New Partnerships With Five Community- Based Organizations to Expand Access to Free Meals

Today the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced new partnerships with five community-based organizations (CBOs) to continue expanding access to free grab & go meals at additional sites throughout the City. SFUSD has provided over 500,000 free meals to children in San Francisco since closing school sites due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

4/19/20 - SFUSD Airs Original Educational TV Show on KTVU Plus

As part of its effort to reach all students, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is partnering with KTVU to provide an hour long television episode every weekday especially for preschool-2nd grade students in San Francisco, called “SF Loves Learning.” The show will provide access to academic and social emotional learning opportunities from SFUSD and partners for San Francisco’s youngest students, who have disproportionately less access to technology than older students.

4/13/20 - SFUSD Begins Teacher-Led Interactive Distance Learning

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is officially launching teacher-led interactive distance learning for all PreK-12 students today. Teaching will include both digital and non-digital options for students to engage in learning at home as their circumstances allow. SFUSD continues to emphasize to families that it supports parents and guardians in prioritizing wellness and wellbeing for themselves and their children.

4/10/20 - Donations of Goods and Services Support Students During School Closures

The San Francisco Unified School District has received and deployed dozens of in-kind donations to support students and families during extended school closures. Given its budget shortfall and millions in new unanticipated costs associated with serving students during school closures, SFUSD has been actively working with donors to support services to students, including providing students with meals and continuity of learning, during closures.  

4/7/20 - SFUSD School Sites to Stay Closed for Remainder of School Year

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school sites will remain closed through the end of the school year (June 2, 2020). San Francisco is one of six Bay Area counties that is announcing extending school closures in consultation with public health officials across their respective counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco.

4/1/20 - Thousands of Students Receiving Laptops to Begin Distance Learning

In preparation for providing all students with a comprehensive distance learning program by mid-April, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has already distributed over 5,200 devices to students in grades 3-12 who need access to technology to support continued learning at home while schools are closed.

3/27/20 - San Francisco’s Neediest Children See Outpouring of Support

Spark* SF Public Schools, a non-profit dedicated to building private partnerships in support of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), has received more than $4.2 million in the past two weeks to support San Francisco’s most vulnerable children and youth during temporary school closures.

3/25/20 - SFUSD School Closures Extended Through May 1

SFUSD is extending temporary school closures through May 1, 2020. Please continue to shelter in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

3/17/20 - SFUSD Begins Providing Meals During School Closure

Today, SFUSD will open its first meal distribution sites so students may continue to access free meals while schools are closed. The district and SFUSD’s non-profit partner Spark* SF Public Schools are asking community members to make tax-deductible monetary contributions in support of the district’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. 

3/13/20 - SFUSD to Provide Free Meals for Students During Closure of Schools

SFUSD will continue to provide nutritious meals to all students who need them during the temporary closure of schools. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, SFUSD will provide free breakfast and lunch to all children 18 and younger at 8 pick-up sites across San Francisco. On Wednesday, March 18, SFUSD will add 6 more sites for a total of 14 pick-up locations. 

3/12/20 - SFUSD Closing Glen Park Elementary School

SFUSD is closing Glen Park Elementary School immediately. Late Thursday afternoon SFUSD learned from the Department of Public Health that 7 students from Glen Park Elementary School have reported respiratory illness. DPH is investigating and testing these students for COVID-19.

3/12/20 - Schools Will Close to Students for 3 Weeks

SFUSD is closing schools to students for 3 weeks beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of regularly scheduled spring break (which ends Friday, April 3). Staff will be working part of this time to prepare and train on how to educate and support community health during this epidemic.

3/11/20 - SFUSD Closing Lakeshore Elementary School

On Wednesday evening SFUSD learned from the Department of Public Health that four students from Lakeshore Elementary School and some of their adult family members have reported respiratory illness. DPH is investigating and testing these students for COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 at Lakeshore or any other SFUSD school at this time. Based on the recommendation of the Department of Public Health, SFUSD is closing Lakeshore immediately for 14 days while public health officials investigate. 

3/11/20 - SFUSD, City, Health Leaders Share Plans for Keeping Public Schools Open

District leaders have been in daily contact with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). At this time the majority of health experts at the local, state and federal level do not recommend broad public school closures, as schools are an essential service with multiple community benefits and children have not been shown to be a high-risk group for serious illness from this virus.

3/10/20 - SFUSD Reopening Lowell High School After 3-Day Closure

Given current guidance from health experts and what is known at this time, SFUSD is reopening Lowell on Wednesday, March 11. The district has done enhanced cleaning at Lowell High School to ensure the campus is clean when it reopens.

3/5/20 - Closure of Lowell High School

The District has learned that a relative of a Lowell High School student is being treated for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety and well-being of our community, we have decided to close the school and all events and gatherings for the time being.

3/5/20 - SFUSD Celebrates Women and Gender Diversity

Around the world, millions of people will celebrate Women’s History Month in March. Schools in the San Francisco Unified School District get a head start in celebrating Women’s History and gender diversity by offering opportunities year-round.

2/28/20 - Presidio Middle School Closed Friday, February 28

Presidio Middle School is closed today, Friday, February 28 due to concerns about an outbreak of gastroenteritis at the school.

01/15/20

SF Board of Education Elects Leaders for 2020

The San Francisco Board of Education elected its leaders for the 2020 year on Tuesday night.... Read more

01/15/20

SF Board of Education Paves the Way for Building More Affordable Educator Housing

Resolution calls for SFUSD to establish procedures related to potential development of its properties for affordable educator housing.... Read more