Public Relations and Communications

Families' and the community's perceptions about our schools matter-- for enrollment, for school morale, for loving and fair treatment within San Francisco, and for the leader's peace of mind. This section contains information about working with the media, release forms and privacy, marketing, and communications resources.

"My hope emerges from those places of struggle where I witness individuals positively transforming their lives and the world around them. Educating is always a vocation rooted in hopefulness. As teachers we believe that learning is possible, that nothing can keep an open mind from seeking after knowledge and finding a way to know."

-bell hooks

Communications Guidelines for SFUSD Staff

Resources - SFUSD Templates, Logos and Stock Photos

Sharing News and Information

Using Student Images and Schoolwork

  • Understanding the Media Consent Form
  • Media Consent Forms (Opt-In)
  • SFUSD no longer uses what was called the “Opt Out” media form. If parents/ guardians do not want their child in the media, they are expected to inform the school of this preference. If there is a media event at your school, please be mindful of any students who should not be interviewed or filmed. If a school staff member knows of a reason why a child should not appear in the media, e.g., witness protection, you should seek to shield them from the media even if you have not received explicit notification from a parent.

Communicating With Families

See Partnering with Families for resources, including:

  • School Communications Systems Guide (when to use Synergy or SchoolMessenger)
  • How to Post Announcements to Student and Family Portal
  • SchoolMessenger Best Practices
  • Translation & Interpretation resources

Crisis Communication

See information on Crisis Communication on the Safety & Emergencies page.

You may always call the Communications Office at (415) 241-6565 or email newsline@sfusd.edu if you need support with communications, especially during a crisis.

This page was last updated on August 11, 2024