The last day of school was unusual this year for the district and parent advocacy. While kids were saying goodbye to their friends and teachers, our superintendent was testifying before a congressional committee in DC, and our advocacy hit the national stage. Dr. Su was as poised and strong as we expected, truly a fearless leader for our kids, teachers and schools. And, our letter of support of Dr. Su and SFUSD was read into the record during the hearing. Watch the clip here:
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Through SF Parents, thousands of SFUSD families have spent years pushing for stronger academics, better outcomes, and real accountability. The progress we’ve seen over the last 18 months reflects what families have been asking for and working toward for a long time. After years of instability, it is encouraging to see the district more focused on implementation, results, and the basics that matter to students and families. While we have not always agreed with past district leadership, we believe the progress under Dr. Maria Su deserves real recognition and support.
It was validating to hear the congressional committee recognize the improvements happening at SFUSD and even reference and read from the SF Parents letter we sent to Congress. We were especially glad that the district’s progress was evident without backing away from the values that matter to San Francisco families. SFUSD showed that it is possible to deliver stronger academic focus while also standing up for LGBTQ+ students and reflecting the values of our city. Thank you to parent leaders Cliff Yee, Autumn Brown Garibay, and Sharon In, who left their families for the last few days of school to be in DC in support of Dr. Su and SFUSD. We always say this, but parent voices matter: when families stay engaged, they can help shape not just local conversations, but national ones as well.
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The biggest news from this week’s Board of Education meeting was continued progress on SFUSD’s financial recovery. Just two years ago, the district received a “negative” budget certification and was placed under state fiscal oversight. On Tuesday district leaders shared a budget that projects revenues will exceed expenses through at least 2028-29, a remarkable turnaround. This is something that SF Parents has been pushing the district on since 2024, and it’s a huge win for kids to control our own budget and operate within our means.
However commissioners repeatedly emphasized that financial stability alone is not enough, and we agree. As SFUSD moves beyond the fiscal crisis, the conversation must shift from “Can we balance the budget?” to “How do we ensure students are benefiting from these investments?”
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Across San Francisco this school year, families showed up for their schools. Parents volunteered in classrooms, attended meetings, advocated for students, supported literacy and math initiatives, and worked alongside school communities to help kids succeed. We are grateful to everyone who lent their voice, time, and energy to making our public schools stronger.
This year also brought important progress on issues our community has championed for years. In addition to the improvements on budget, SFUSD continued its implementation of new literacy and math curriculum, expanded pathways for middle school Algebra, hired a new Deputy Superintendent focused on student outcomes, and began moving from crisis management toward longer-term planning and improvement. Through our SF Kid’s Can’t Wait campaign we continue to focus on ensuring that every student has access to high-quality instruction and the support they need to thrive. That work will continue next year.
As we head into summer, we hope your family finds time to rest, recharge, read some great books together, and celebrate everything your children accomplished this year. Thank you for being part of this community and for everything you do for San Francisco’s kids.
In partnership,
Nichole & the SF Parents Team
P.S. Want more detail on this week’s Board of Education meeting and budget update? Read our full BOE meeting summary here.
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Don’t forget to check out the Our 415 Program, led by the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF). Our415 is your source for everything San Francisco has for young people and families. It’s your one-stop-shop for programs and resources from the City and County of San Francisco and its nonprofit partners. For more information, visit the Our 415 website at www.our415.org.
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SF Parents Coalition is a 501c3 nonprofit that centers the needs of children and youth in San Francisco public schools by bringing together a diverse network of parents and caregivers to advocate for a thriving, equitable school system.
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