SFUSD Board Meeting Recap — April 28, 2026
Progress Monitoring–Guardrail 2: Serving the Whole Child
(presentation here and report here)
Guardrail 2.1 – Attendance
District staff highlighted the following in their presentation
- There is increase in absenteeism this year compared to last year
- National issue: Absenteeism 75% above pre-pandemic levels
- Relational Care Coordination Team Plans typically fare better, but these aren’t in place at every school
In the discussion with the board, Commissioner Fisher pointed out that current and upcoming staff reductions (clerks, etc.) may likely adversely affect absenteeism. Dr. Su acknowledged the District’s limited resources, and reinforced that she has made staffing recommendations in line with community and site leader recommendations.
Commissioner Ray asked about the public-facing attendance dashboard that came up last year. District staff responded that it is in progress, but not yet live.
Guardrail 2.2 – Sense of Belonging
This was by far the briefest presentation / discussion, with no significant followup from the commissioners.
- Have met goal of 80%
- ’Everyday Relationship Building’ (see slide 10) was highlighted during the presentation as a big way schools have been increasing this
Guardrail 2.3 Disproportionate Discipline
- Suspension Rate is down, but not yet at goal
- Restorative Practices training – has more success when implemented at schools
- The Principal of Willie Brown MS attended to talk about their efforts including reworked spaces for kids, many club opportunities, and support from Beacon Initiative and community partners
Item G.1 Instructional Materials Adoption: Elementary and High School History/Social Studies Curriculum (and Ethnic Studies)
(presentation here)
Updating SFUSD’s History and Social Studies was long overdue, as this is the first curriculum update in 20 years. There are one-time funds identified for this purchase and curriculum implementation. Commissioner Ray pointed out that the adoption of the new Ethnic Studies curriculum was folded within this item, and that while they are related in terms of process, recommended they should be discussed as separate items.
Assistant Superintendent Devin Krugman presented all of Item G1, describing:
- The review processes were well-organized, with clear rationale
- Middle School materials refresh is on hold pending availability of 7th and 8th grade materials superior to current ones
- The Voices curriculum for Ethnic Studies, which was piloted this year, was selected
- About half the high schools will have a course that meets the ethnic studies requirement, should any students want to opt out of the 9th grade course, as well as some CCSF classes
- There was no deep discussion on the number of semesters for ethnic studies (1 vs. 2), though it was mentioned this would happen later
Commissioner Ray asked to divide the voting on G1, with the rationale of:
- Ethnic studies was not specifically listed as an agenda item, “hidden” / folded under the history/social studies approval
- Community members felt like they were not allowed to have substantive discussion
- Ethnic studies in 9th before any understanding of World History (10th) could be problematic, and Ray questioned if 9th graders have the maturity to challenge some of the framing the Voices curriculum uses
Vote to separate the votes for History and Ethnic Studies Curriculum
Did not pass 3-4 (Ray, Gupta, Alexander voting Yes)
Vote to Approve Item G1 (approving both History and Ethnic Studies Curriculum)
Approved 6-1, with Ray voting “No”
Other
During Public Comment, we predominantly heard from students speaking out in favor of ethnic studies, mostly in favor of the Voices curriculum, as well as the 2 semester requirement. There were some voices of opposition, some feeling strongly that there was no inclusion of Jewish identity. Public Comment was alarmingly interrupted by a roughly 10 minute in-person disruption, which President Kim did an admirable job managing in a calm manner. The online speakers did not get to finish, but this was understandable given the circumstances.
