Newsletter – April 23, 2026

Don’t forget to join us TONIGHT from 7:30-9:00 pm for our virtual town hall, Let’s Shake the Trees for School Funding (RSVP). Joined by Chief Kunal Modi from the Mayor’s Office, Superintendent Maria Su, President Rafael Mandelman, Phil Halperin of Silver Giving, and Jill Nelson Golub from BMWL. Let’s uncover the real possibilities and what we can do together to bring more funding to SFUSD.

And, as we enter the final few months of the school year, there is plenty to talk about at SFUSD. Read on below for updates on what’s happening across our schools:

Early math transparency: Last month we learned at the school board meeting that just 67% of classrooms, nearly two years in, are using the new early literacy curriculum. While it’s not the result we were hoping to see (by comparison, OUSD reached nearly 100% by the end of their first year of implementation), what’s most troubling is that there’s no similar data being shared publicly regarding early math curriculum implementation. Since our earliest days, we find ourselves continuing to demand transparency from SFUSD.

Instructional minutes: You may have heard a lot about 8th grade algebra and the district’s new policy to bring it back. What you may not have heard about yet is that the district is requiring all middle schools to revise their bell schedules to meet the CA Department of Education’s minimum recommended core instructional minutes. We were surprised to learn that SFUSD did not already provide the minimum instructional minutes to students, and are grateful to learn that Superintendent Su and the Board of Education are making these changes, which should translate to improved student outcomes. This was something that former school board president Lainie Motamedi pushed hard for; her persistence is finally paying off.

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? Get this: The algebra researchers at Stanford recently found and contacted SF Parents directly, concerned by the SFUSD Board of Education’s meddling with algebra policy and diverging from their research. They want parents to know that, according to their findings, students who opt out of Math 8 entirely (to take only Algebra in 8th grade) could forgo substantial math gains. We noted that doubling up on math periods is its own hefty ask to make of 8th graders. Still, we found it interesting that they reached out, and we’re working to set up a conversation between parents and researchers, possibly early in the new school year. Stay tuned.

The Stanford researchers aren’t the only ones with lingering questions. We’ve also heard from principals and teachers upset that SFUSD has not yet shared details for how it will fully staff and fund the algebra changes or ensure that all kids truly have access. For example, at AP Giannini, Algebra could be offered in “Zero Period” — meaning kids who travel far from the Bayview, Mission, etc. may not be able to get there on time. There are still real logistics to work out before this works for students, teachers, and schools. For more details on the algebra policy SFUSD passed, find it here.

Meanwhile, we’re still asking how it’s possible that nearly 60% of SFUSD 8th graders are not meeting grade-level expectations in math — and why it’s so much harder to get the same kind of Algebra Energy behind K–5 math improvement at SFUSD. Will you join us?

Years Overdue: After more than 20 years with the same history-social studies curriculum — one which predicts a future world where we could see self-driving cars — SFUSD will finally update its materials. For elementary and high schools, the district is proposing new, standards-aligned content designed to better reflect diverse perspectives, strengthen literacy and critical thinking, and engage students through inquiry-based learning. Middle schools will continue using and refining the current program. For high schools, the district is also recommending an updated Ethnic Studies curriculum and officially adopting Voices, the program piloted this school year.

Enrollment changes: SF Parents partnered with SFUSD to gather parent feedback on recent changes to the TK/K enrollment process. We were asked to bring together families from our network to participate in focus groups and share their experiences navigating the application process–what’s working and where there’s room for improvement. This kind of input and partnership is critical to making the SFUSD enrollment experience better for all families.

Student Outcomes Goals Delayed: At last week’s school board meeting, the BOE voted to extend SFUSD’s “Vision, Values, Goals and Guardrails” (VVGGs) timeline by one year (from 2027 to 2028). The VVGGs are the district’s student outcome goals, setting the bar for literacy, math, and career and college readiness. The extension reflects a reality the district acknowledged: it has been off track on meeting these goals, and needs time to stabilize its budget and better align resources with its priorities. While there was agreement that goals should be realistic and attainable, the decision also raises important questions about urgency and accountability. For families, these goals are not abstract — they represent whether our kids are on track to read, do math, and succeed in school. Delaying the timeline makes it even more important that the district show clear, measurable progress in the near term, not just reset expectations for the future.

Last chance to join SF Parents TONIGHT (Thursday – 4/23)  for a virtual town hall bringing together key leaders, including Superintendent Maria Su, Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, Chief Kunal Modi from the Mayor’s Office, Phil Halperin of Silver Giving, and Jill Nelson Golub of BMWL to break down how school funding actually works, and learn what it would take to fully fund our schools.

We’ll cover everything from state funding formulas to local ballot measures, and the specific levers that could unlock more funding for SFUSD. Whether you’re new to school funding or already engaged, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how it all works and how YOU can make an impact.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The SF Parents Team