Current News from SFUSD

10/27/22 - SF Board of Education Approves Goals to Guide SFUSD’s Priorities for the Next Five Years

At Tuesday's regular meeting, the San Francisco Board of Education unanimously adopted a new vision, values, goals, and guardrails (VVGG) that will collectively serve as the San Francisco Unified School District’s North Star over the next five years.

10/27/22 - Construction Set to Begin on New SFUSD School in Mission Bay

Today, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco City leaders, and community members celebrated the launch of development activities at the new SFUSD Mission Bay School site.

10/26/22 - SFUSD Educators Honored By SF Fire Commission for Heroic Rescue of Elderly Residents From Fire Near School

Five educators at Rosa Parks Elementary School are being honored by the San Francisco Fire Commission for helping to rescue elderly residents from a burning building adjacent to the school on May 13, 2022. The Fire Commission will present Certificates of Appreciation to the educators at their meeting at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

10/25/22 - SFUSD Superintendent Announces Significant Addition to Support Services for Staff Experiencing Payroll Issues

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne announced a significant addition to the district’s customer service for staff experiencing issues with EMPowerSF, SFUSD’s new system for payroll and other human resources functions. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 26, SFUSD is launching a Call Center for SFUSD staff that will be open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, five days a week excluding district holidays.

10/24/22 - SFUSD Remains Ahead of State in Students Meeting Standards

The California Department of Education (CDE) today released the results of the 2022 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. In 2022 the San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) ELA and math proficiency rates continued to be higher than the state, which was also the case in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

10/18/22 - SFUSD Kicks Off Enrollment Season With PreK-12 Enrollment Fairs and Workshops

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is launching its enrollment season for the 2023-24 school year by hosting enrollment fairs and workshops for families who wish to enroll their child(ren) in PreKindergarten (PK), Transitional Kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, middle school, or high school for the coming school year.

10/12/22 - SFUSD Commits to Implementing Revisions to Federal Title IX Regulations

As part of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s committment to increase education and awareness about the reporting processes for sexual harassment and assault, Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne announced the district’s intention to implement revisions to district policies based on new federal Title IX regulations which are anticipated to be in place in time for the 2023-2024 school year.

10/3/22 - SFUSD Celebrates State Seal of Biliteracy Earners

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne announced that 619 graduates from the class of 2022 (16% of graduates) have earned the California State Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.

9/21/22 - SFUSD Takes Critical First Step in Convening High School Task Force

At the San Francisco Board of Education’s regular meeting Tuesday night, commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the selection of a facilitator to lead and manage a Task Force that will provide community-informed recommendations to improve the portfolio of high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). 

9/19/22 - SFUSD Proposes Resolution to Recognize Days of Cultural Significance on District Calendars

At its regular board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 20, the San Francisco Board of Education will vote on a resolution introduced by San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne to support students who wish to honor their cultural commitments.

9/18/22 - SFUSD and UESF Announce 6% Salary Raise for Teachers and Paraeducators

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement for the 2022-23 school year, including a 6% raise for teachers and paraeducators, additional prep time for teachers, and dedicated substitute teachers at certain schools.

9/13/22 - SFUSD Superintendent Seeks to Engage with Consulting Firm to Address Payroll Issues

As part of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s efforts to resolve outstanding payroll issues, Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne announced he is seeking to engage a management consulting firm to assist in clearing the backlog of critical employee payroll issues, stabilize the overall EMPowerSF system, and build the necessary capacity within SFUSD to provide ongoing support.

9/8/22 - SF Board of Education Approves Updates to Rules and Operating Procedures

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, San Francisco Board of Education commissioners unanimously approved updates to the Board Rules and Operating Procedures designed to focus more of its time on student outcomes. The Board of Education aims to increase transparency in its work as part of its long-term plan to improve its governance practices.

9/7/22 - New SFUSD Superintendent Launches Listening Tour at Schools

After taking the helm of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in July 2022, Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne will engage in a listening tour to meet the SFUSD community; listen to their experiences, needs, feedback, input and questions; and understand SFUSD’s strengths and needs.

8/12/22 - SFUSD Will Continue Offering Free Meals for All Students in 2022-23

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) will continue to offer all students free school meals in the 2022-23 school year under the California Meals for All Act. 

8/10/22 - SF Board of Education Passes Resolution to Recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as District Holidays

The San Francisco Board of Education passed a resolution Tuesday, August 9, to include the recognition of two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) academic calendar.

8/2/22 - SF Board of Education Votes to Admonish Commissioner

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously voted to admonish Commissioner Ann Hsu for her recent written statements that undermine and run counter to the Board of Education's belief that the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is most responsible when students fail, and that all students can succeed regardless of their race, zip code, income level, or any other factor.

7/29/22 - SFUSD Expands Recruitment Efforts for Educators, Other Staff Positions

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is expanding efforts to recruit and hire teachers, paraeducators, clerks, and other positions throughout the district in preparation for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

7/18/22 - Statement from SFUSD Superintendent Wayne, SF Board of Education President Lam on Governance Workshop

The San Francisco Board of Education took part in a daylong workshop on July 17 to create a draft version of a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) vision, values, goals, and guardrails, as well as a community engagement plan to gather feedback on them.

6/30/22 - SF Board of Education Commits to Improving Governance Practices

San Francisco Board of Education President Jenny Lam shared more details about the Board’s long-term plan to improve the governance practices of the SF Board of Education.

6/29/22 - SF Board of Education Adopts Plan and Budget for 2022-23 School Year

The San Francisco Board of Education adopted its Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and $1.1 billion total operating budget for the 2022-23 school year.

6/24/22 - Programs for African American Students in SFUSD Continue to Support Achievement and Success

The African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative (AAALI) within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) shared an update of the department’s programming, and the felt impact from African American students and their families.

6/22/22 - SF Board of Education Votes to Create Task Force to Examine SFUSD High Schools

Majority Votes to Resume Previous Criteria-Based Admissions for 2023-24 School Year

6/17/22 - New School in Mission Bay Moves Forward

The San Francisco Board of Education approved plans to build a new San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school in Mission Bay, at a special meeting on Wednesday, June 15. The project has been envisioned for over two decades and has received vast support from the community and City.

6/8/22 - Summer Learning for Up to 17,000 SFUSD Students

Today San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students begin a variety of summer programs to continue their learning. This year summer learning will take place at 92 school sites and other city sites, with the capacity to serve 17,000 students.

5/31/22 - SFUSD Celebrates the Class of 2022

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) will host all outdoor graduation events this week. For the second year in a row, all high school ceremonies will take place outdoors at Kezar Stadium and the McAteer Campus Stadium. The Class of 2022 includes approximately 4,100 graduates, an increase from 3,700 in the class of 2021.

5/27/22 - SFUSD Announces Launch of Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

As part of efforts to ramp up emergency preparedness, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews today announced the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) at 40 SFUSD schools with students in grades 6 to 12.

5/25/22 - Dr. Matt Wayne Officially Named Next SFUSD Superintendent

The San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the contract for Dr. Matt Wayne to serve as the new Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

5/20/22 - SFUSD Receives $33.7 Million in State Grants to Support Community Schools Partnerships

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) are pleased to announce that through a joint effort to apply for California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP)’s Implementation Grants, SFUSD has been awarded over $33.7 million in grants from the California Department of Education (CDE) to fund partnerships at schools to align community resources in support of improving student outcomes.

5/12/22 - SF Board of Education Selects Dr. Matt Wayne as SFUSD’s Finalist for Superintendent of Schools

The San Francisco Board of Education announced today that Dr. Matt Wayne is the sole finalist to serve as the new Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Upon official public confirmation of the appointment by the SF Board of Education, Dr. Wayne will succeed Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews, who plans to retire as of June 30, 2022.

5/11/22 - SFUSD Designates Juneteenth as District Holiday

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution designating June 19, 2022, and June 19 of each year thereafter, in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States.

5/10/22 - Final Certificated Layoff Notices Reduced to 20 SFUSD Staff

After issuing more than 200 preliminary layoff notices in March, the San Francisco Board of Education is now scheduled to vote on a resolution to lay off 20 certificated employees – 15 of whom are administrators who have been or will be rehired for next school year into administrator or certificated positions.

4/25/22 - SFUSD Monitoring Teacher Attrition 

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is monitoring teacher staffing trends. As of mid-April, turnover rates remain consistent with the previous year and lower than pre-pandemic. 

4/15/22 - SFUSD Teaches Environmental Literacy and Climate Justice to All K-12 Students

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is highlighting its efforts to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis during Earth Week from April 18 - April 22. Throughout the school year SFUSD’s curriculum offers multiple opportunities for K-12 students to engage in developmentally appropriate environmental and climate literacy through a social justice lens.

3/24/22 - SFUSD Distributes Over 123,000 COVID-19 Test Kits to All Students and Staff

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is distributing over 123,000 rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to all SFUSD students and staff. SFUSD students and staff are expected to use the rapid tests distributed to them prior to returning from spring break, regardless of whether they are symptomatic or where their work location is. 

3/22/22 - SF Board of Education Elects Kevine Boggess to Serve as Vice President

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously elected Kevine Boggess to serve as vice president. 

3/18/22 - SFUSD Prepares to Send School Assignments to Thousands of Students for 2022-23 School Year

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing to enroll students for the next school year. The Educational Placement Center, which oversees student assignments for the district, will be mailing letters to more than 14,000 students today, March 18, 2022, primarily incoming transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade students.

3/17/22 - SFUSD Superintendent Announces Agreement with Teachers Union Related to Payroll Concerns

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has reached an agreement with United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) as part of the district’s efforts to resolve outstanding payroll issues.

3/15/22 - Update Regarding Steps Being Taken to Resolve Payroll Issues from Superintendent Matthews

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following update regarding today’s progress in addressing the payroll emergency. 

3/15/22 - Statement from SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews Regarding Payroll Issues

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following statement regarding payroll issues.

3/11/22 - Statements from SFUSD Superintendent Matthews, SF Board of Education President Jenny Lam re. Mayor’s Appointment of New Board Commissioners

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews and SF Board of Education President Jenny Lam joined Mayor London Breed in welcoming three new SF Board of Education commissioners today.

3/10/22 - SFUSD and SF Education Fund Partner to Provide Free Literacy Tutoring for 2,300 Students

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the San Francisco Education Fund, a nonprofit that mobilizes the community to support equitable access to a quality education for SFUSD students, today announced a partnership to provide literacy tutoring to support the acceleration of student learning for students most affected by unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

3/8/22 - SFUSD Provides Consistent Translation and Interpretation in Six Languages

With the passage of Board Policy 5023, Translation and Interpretation, SFUSD has codified San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) language access practices to facilitate equitable participation by monolingual and limited English proficient (LEP) families in their children's education.

3/4/22 - SFUSD, Unions Announce Transition to Recommended Masking in Middle and High Schools Beginning March 12 and April 2 for All Sites

Starting March 12, 2022, masking will be strongly recommended but not required at middle and high schools, and at central office worksites. Starting April 2, 2022, masking will be strongly recommended but not required at all district schools and worksites, including PreKindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, elementary and K-8 schools. 

3/2/22 - SF Board of Education Votes on Staff Reductions as Part of Budget Balancing Plan

The San Francisco Board of Education voted on the number of San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) staff positions that may need to be reduced by July 2022 in order to submit a balanced budget to the State

3/1/22 - SF Board of Education Votes to Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement Between SFUSD, UESF

The San Francisco Board of Education voted tonight to approve a new collective bargaining agreement between the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF). The new agreement expires June 30, 2023 and replaces the collective bargaining agreement that expired June 30, 2020. 

2/28/22 - SF Board of Education Approves Ground Lease Agreements for Affordable Housing for SFUSD Educators

The SF Board of Education voted on February 24 to approve the ground lease agreements between the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and MidPen Francis Scott Key Associates, LLC for the development of low-income and moderate-income educator housing. 

2/24/22 - SF Board of Education to Vote on Staff Reductions as Part of Budget Balancing Plan on March 1

The San Francisco Board of Education will vote on the number of San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) staff positions that will receive preliminary layoff notices at a special meeting on Tuesday, March 1.

2/18/22 - SF Board of Education Extends Superintendent Search Timeline

The SF Board of Education announced that it will be extending the deadline to apply for the position of San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) superintendent. 

2/16/22 - Commissioner Faauuga Moliga Steps Down from SF Board of Education

Today, SF Board of Education Commissioner Faauuga Moliga notified San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews and Board of Education President Gabriela López that he is resigning from the SF Board of Education effective immediately.

2/16/22 - Statements from SFUSD Superintendent, Board of Education President Regarding Recall Election

While the votes are still being counted, it appears as though the majority of San Francisco voters have voted for the recall of three SF Board of Education commissioners: Alison Collins, Gabriela López and Faauuga Moliga.

2/9/22 - SF Board of Education Approves Resolution Affirming Rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ Students

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a resolution affirming the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ students and calling on the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to create a Queer Transgender Parent Advisory Council (QTPAC).

1/29/22 - SFUSD & UESF Announce Tentative Successor Contract Agreement

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) have reached a tentative agreement in relation to the collective bargaining agreement that expired June 30, 2020. The new tentative agreement expires June 30, 2023.

1/25/22 - SFUSD Adopts Arts Equity Plan

The San Francisco Board of Education has formally adopted Arts and Creativity 2025, a plan for implementing equitable arts education in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

1/19/22 - SFUSD Increases Testing, Mask Distribution and Shares COVID-19 Response Update

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has increased its distribution of masks; over 1.2 million masks have been delivered to schools in the past two weeks alone. To meet the increased demand brought on by the Omicron surge, self-swab molecular testing through Color, which the district has provided since last spring, is now available for daily pick up at school sites, increased from weekly school site pick-ups prior to 2022.

1/13/22 - SFUSD, Unions Reach Agreement Over Health and Safety Conditions

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) reached an agreement today with 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) over health and safety conditions. 

1/12/22 - SF Board of Education Elects Leaders for 2022

The San Francisco Board of Education elected its leaders for the 2022 year on Tuesday night. Gabriela López, who served as president of the Board last year, will continue in her role in 2022. Jenny Lam was elected to serve as vice president.

1/12/22 - SFUSD Continues to Distribute Thousands of Take Home Test Kits and KN95 Masks in the Midst of Unprecedented COVID Surge

This week the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is distributing over 60,000 at-home test kits to K-12 students along with tens of thousands of KN95 and surgical masks. These new efforts, combined with safety protocols as well as school-based and mobile testing sites, are part of the district’s ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while keeping schools open for in-person learning. 

1/10/22 - SFUSD’s Graduation Rate Rises to 88.3%, with Greatest Increases for African American, Special Education Students

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released its 2020-21 Four-Year Cohort Reports, which include graduation rates. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) cohort graduation rate improved from 84.4% in 2016-17 to 88.3% in 2020-21.

1/6/22 - SFUSD Meets With Unions To Discuss Health and Safety Conditions

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s bargaining team met with representatives from 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) today, January 6, 2022, to discuss health and safety conditions. 

1/5/22 - Statement from SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews Regarding COVID-19 Safety Protocols

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared the following statement today, January 5, 2022.

12/21/21 - Amazon Donates to Teacher Projects in 62 SFUSD Schools

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and SFUSD’s non-profit partner Spark* SF Public Schools announced that Amazon will fund classroom projects from SFUSD teachers on the national non-profit platform DonorsChoose. 

12/17/21 - SF Board of Education Approves Maintaining Current Admissions Criteria for Lowell High School for 2022-23 School Year

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a resolution (4 to 3) to maintain the current admissions criteria for Lowell High School for the 2022-23 school year, which is currently the same as other comprehensive high schools.

12/14/21 - SF Board of Education Approves Budget Balancing Plan

The San Francisco Board of Education (BOE) approved a budget balancing plan for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) at its regular meeting Tuesday that aims to stabilize SFUSD’s budget and meets a deadline imposed by the State to address an ongoing structural deficit.

12/6/21 - SFUSD Celebrates Inclusive Schools Week

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) celebrates Inclusive Schools Week from Dec. 6 to 10.

11/30/21 - SFUSD Superintendent Proposes Maintaining Choice-Based Admissions at Lowell High School for 2022-23 School Year

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews is recommending that SFUSD utilize the same choice-based admissions policy for Lowell High School for the 2022-23 school year as it uses for placement at its other comprehensive high schools while the SF Board of Education considers alternatives. 

11/17/21 - SFUSD Will Receive One-Time $123 Million After Lawsuit Challenging Voter-Approved Prop. G Measure Fails

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) will receive funds from the Proposition G-Living Wages for Educators Act parcel tax, which was passed by San Francisco voters in 2018. Funds from the parcel tax have been withheld from SFUSD pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the voter-supported initiative, and the district is now set to receive $123.4 million.

11/4/21 - Statement from SF Board of Education President Gabriela López About the SFUSD Equity Audit and Action Committee Zoom Attack

The SFUSD Equity Audit and Action Committee convened over Zoom on Nov 3, 2021. During the meeting an unknown participant attacked members and attendees with racial slurs and pornographic imagery. Board President Gabriela López shared this statement.

11/3/21 - SF Board of Education Discusses Budget Balancing Plan

The San Francisco Board of Education is in the process of developing a budget balancing plan to address an ongoing structural deficit as expenses continue to grow faster than revenues to support all of the district’s schools, services and programs.

11/3/21 - SF Board of Education Approves Spending Plan for $100 Million in 2016 Bond Funds

The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved a plan for spending the remaining $100 million in funding from a $744 million general obligation bond approved by San Francisco voters in 2016 for modernization of San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) facilities.

11/2/21 - SFUSD Preparing for Youth Ages 5 to 11 to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

As COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is expected to expand to individuals ages 5 to 11, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is partnering with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to share information with the community and encourage vaccinations for elementary age students.

11/1/21 - SF Board of Education Takes Further Action on COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Schools

The San Francisco Board of Education approved a resolution to take further action related to COVID-19 safety protocols in schools.

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