12/9/25 BOE Meeting
Summary:
The public comment period was largely focused on negative reactions to the staffing plan, especially the lack of social workers for all schools. And while the staffing plan wasn’t on the agenda for this week, public comment did ‘raise’ awareness of optically problematic raises for Central Office administrators.
UASF Tentative Agreement Vote
One of the more surprising moments of the evening came when Commissioners realized that the vote to approve the UASF Tentative Agreement was bundled with pay raises for Central Office management—an issue that was not clearly identified in the agenda title. Commissioners Alexander and Ray raised concerns and Commissioners Alexander, Gupta, Ray, Weissman-Ward, Kim voted successfully to split the vote. The BOE then voted unanimously to approve the UASF Tentative Contract.
FY 2025-26 1st Interim Report & Multi-Year Projections
Presentation found here
Deputy Superintendent Chris Mount-Benites clarified that although public comment focused on the staffing plan, the agenda item was the First Interim Financial Report. He addressed concerns about the 111 million dollar reserve, explaining that it is not hidden, can be spent down in the future, and reflects only an 8 percent reserve, which is roughly one month of operating expenses. The district’s goal is a 16.5 percent reserve, or two months, which is considered standard practice. He noted that reserves are especially important when the state is facing fiscal uncertainty or when unexpected events threaten payroll. Commissioner Gupta affirmed that a two-month reserve aligns with nonprofit norms.
Mount-Benites also reported improvements in budgeting and position control and shared that the deficit requiring action is 52 million dollars in the Unrestricted General Fund. The district’s certification is improving from negative to qualified. He added that UESF raises are not yet included in these projections.
The Board voted 6 to 0 to adopt the First Interim Report and later voted 5 to 2 to approve the Fund 17 reserve, with Alexander and Fisher dissenting.
SFUSD will present a Fiscal Stabilization Plan Update on December 16.
Board Governance
AJ Crabill presented an update on board governance that was steady but clear about the need for continued improvement. He reminded the Board that they must update and adopt new Board Guidelines by October so the changes can guide next year’s budget process. He also raised concerns about meeting length and urged the Board to operate more efficiently. When a commissioner made a light comment about long meetings, Crabill emphasized that this is not a trivial issue. It affects public trust and the Board’s ability to govern effectively.
From our perspective, the Board’s new pattern of meetings running past midnight is a real barrier to transparency and community engagement. Families cannot meaningfully participate when important votes are taken after most people are asleep. Many of the late-night debates also involve issues the Board has created for itself. This raises important questions about what procedural or structural changes are needed for the Board to set realistic agendas and conduct its work at times that allow the public to be fully included.