2/3/26 Board of Education Meeting Summary
Emergency Strike Resolution
Context: (from our Cheat Sheet) This resolution does not determine the outcome of negotiations nor express a preference for a strike. It is a contingency measure that districts are legally required to adopt to protect student safety and continuity of services. SF Parents’ is still strongly advocating for the District and union to come to agreement.
Public comment was initially lightly attended in person, but then as teachers streamed in on their way from school, it was good to see President Kim re-open the in-person public comment to include their perspectives. Parents stated the importance of avoiding a strike to both sides, and teachers urged the district to come to the table and present a “real proposal” (e.g. something in writing).
Discussion of the Emergency Strike Resolution
(updated link) an updated version of the resolution was submitted by Dr. Su’s team shortly before the meeting. This version softened some language, and also cut out a controversial component which would have enabled her to hire substitute employees to cover short term needs.
Dr. Su presented why this resolution was needed to be in place, but made it very clear that she hoped to not have to use it, “I don’t even necessarily want to engage in this conversation, but need to plan and prepare appropriately.”
Questioning from the commissioners clarified open questions about the Resolution:
- Normally, the BOE needs to approve every contract
- The resolution was needed to enable fast decisions, as in the event of a strike it would not be operationally efficient to convene the board every day to make big decisions.
- Allows Dr. Su to modify MOUs to work with afterschool providers for expanded services, longer hours, for emergency coverage.
- Allows negotiation with food vendors to include delivery as a new service as part of contract if needed.
- Allows internal re-deployment of central staff as part of emergency operations center.
- Would not allow district to hire new vendors / emergency substitutes.
- Enables Dr. Su to negotiate with the state to reduce fines for not providing services required, lobby for inclusion of alternate instruction to count as instructional hours to meet state requirements.
Commissioners Alexander and Fisher both seemed to understand that a resolution like this would be needed if there were a strike, but stated that they’d rather only vote for such a resolution once a strike had occurred. Dr. Su countered that since a strike could follow with little notice (48 hours), it was prudent to have as much time as possible to plan for contingencies.
Vote: Resolution Passes 4-2
Yes – Ray, Kim, Weissman-Ward, Gupta
No – Alexander, Fisher
Commissioner Fisher shared that Union leadership wanted to avoid a strike and Dr. Su restated that she is “committing to getting back to the table on Thursday (to avert a strike).” We’re hopeful that both sides can come to an agreement.