6/24/25 – SF BOE Meeting Summary
Summary:
The Board reviewed SFUSD’s 2024–27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), highlighting alignment between district goals and school site plans. The district responded to LCAP Advisory Committee recommendations by prioritizing staffing stability, student mental health, and equity-focused interventions.
SFUSD’s revised 2025–26 budget now requires $59 million in cuts—up from the originally projected $13 million—to eliminate deficit spending and restore reserves. This will affect the staffing model and may include position reductions.
Student achievement data showed growth in early grades, though targets were missed. While curriculum use and classroom culture are improving, there are gaps in academic engagement and instructional pacing.
Algebra pilots were implemented with five different models across 40% of 8th grade students. The Algebra Elective model showed the most growth, but access and equity remain concerns.
The district’s new payroll and HR system, Frontline ERP, will launch in phases starting July 1. Support structures are in place to manage the rollout and address issues quickly.
Next steps include expanding algebra access in underserved districts, analyzing English Learner data, and reviewing statewide test results (SBAC) at the next board meeting.
LCAP Update & Response to Advisory Recommendations
The Board reviewed SFUSD’s updated 2024–27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and responded to advisory committee feedback. Highlights included:
- Staffing stability still top priority
- Parent advisory groups pushed for more mental health support, targeted interventions, and cultural competency training
- The district claims stronger alignment between LCAP goals and school site plans (SIPSAs) this year—time will tell
Budget & Fiscal Stabilization Plan
The Board approved the final 2025–26 budget, which now requires $59M in cuts—up from the $13M target discussed earlier this year. The plan is focused on eliminating deficit spending and rebuilding reserves (target: $100M, or ~2 months of payroll). Changes from the first draft:
- Slight increases in county and district expenditures
- No change in unrestricted revenue
- Staffing model will be affected—expect some position reductions
Our take:
- Budget presentations are clearer and more tied to goals
- There’s a conversation happening around raises and expenses
- But major questions remain about how these cuts will affect day-to-day school life—especially given the loss of PD time and staffing gaps going into the fall – and what positions will be cut to deal with the required cuts.
Student Achievement & Curriculum Implementation
Some growth, but not enough.
- K–2 showed steady improvement, but missed the target (59.1% vs. 62%)
- More classrooms using the right materials (up to 86%)
- But there was a big drop in students completing questions and tasks—down from 60% in November to just 32% in April
- District staff attributed this to pacing issues: as teachers grow more comfortable with the new materials, they’re leaning heavily on direct instruction and running out of time for student-led engagement
- Gaps persist in pacing and student ownership of learning
Algebra Pilots & Equity
Five pilot models were tested this year, with 40% of 8th graders participating.
- Algebra Elective model had the best growth (+9 points)
- “Algebra for All” also showed strong results
- District praised low failure rates across all models
- But concerns remain about equitable access—some areas still don’t have real options
Next steps: Supt. Su committed to expanding access in Districts 10 & 11 and to continuing research with Stanford
Frontline ERP Rollout
The new payroll system (Frontline ERP) goes live July 1.
- First payroll run: July 23
- Full rollout by August
- Support structures: 48-hour pay issue resolution goal, call center, onsite help
- New “position control” features will support budget oversight
Other Updates
- Board approved $300K in emergency repairs at Lafayette Elementary
- SBAC results analysis coming at next meeting
- More analysis needed on English Learner performance
- Some good questions from Commissioners around long-term impacts of budget cuts and rollout readiness for next year
-Geri de Anda
