Yesterday, families received a text and video message update from Superintendent Dr. Wayne, his third “School Scoop” of the past few weeks on what’s happening with the budget and closures process. While Dr. Wayne refrained from naming any schools directly, he shared that the school consolidations list and announcement will be coming later today, Tuesday 10/8. He also shared that SFUSD will be meeting with these schools to discuss why they are on the list for consolidation. (These schools’ principals have already been informed, and families and teachers at those schools are beginning to learn as well).
There will be an SFUSD Town Hall this Thursday 10/10, from 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom, to answer questions from the entire SFUSD community and explain more about what is unfolding. Keep an eye out for a text and/or an email from SFUSD with details for accessing this town hall.
We also saw in the SF Chronicle yesterday more context to Dr. Wayne’s updates, from education reporter Jill Tucker. This piece provided an overview of the district’s timeline and expected process; including that SFUSD is still adhering to their original November 12 deadline for the school board to receive the final list, with the school board’s vote occurring in December. Closures/mergers would be effective after the end of this school year, with students starting at new schools by the start of 2025-26.
As we face the now reality of school consolidations across SFUSD, this is going to be a more important time than ever for our community to come together to support each other, and first and foremost, kids, families, and teachers who are impacted. SF Parent Coalition was born out of a similar collective need during the pandemic, where families sought solutions to challenges no one was remotely prepared for. As we navigate this new uncertainty, we’re calling on all of families and supporters to lead with that same spirit of empathy, collaboration, and action while centering the needs of impacted students.
This moment calls for us to put aside other frustrations we may have with the district and concentrate on how we can collectively work to make the transition smoother for those impacted and most supportive for our students and their educational experience during this time.
Here are three ways you can help:
Join our Parent Support Team: Volunteer with us to offer direct support to families facing school closures, keeping them informed about what’s happening and elevating their concerns to SFUSD through our platform.
Create Resources for Impacted Families: Help us develop resources and guides for parents, for example, on how to talk to their children about the changes ahead, like moving to a new school. Kids are looking to the adults: Will we be calm and solutions-oriented, or will we create chaos and fighting? Email [email protected] if you’re interested in helping to develop supportive resources for families.
Advocate for Families: Lift up the concerns of families impacted by closures and hold SFUSD accountable to prioritizing the well-being of students during this transition. Sign up here to learn more about our budget issue team or here to learn more about our closures issue team.
There is nothing easy about the road ahead and we are fully aware of the enormous responsibility we carry to ensure that kids, families, and teachers are supported during this time. Our role is to ensure their concerns are addressed and heard by SFUSD, and as always we rely on you, our broad community, to help make this collective work happen. This is a heavy time, and connection is more important than ever. Join us on Wednesday, October 16th at 7pm for our Fall Meet-Up if you’re able to make it.
Finally, please let us know what questions you have or how you’d like to help find solutions and provide the support that our city’s families will need.
In community,
Meredith Dodson, on behalf of SF Parent Coalition
