Looming School Closures in SFUSD
In a surprising twist, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has unveiled a startling staffing revelation for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Contrary to the prevailing notion of severe understaffing, SFUSD stands out by employing more teachers per student than most other California districts. This revelation emerges amidst tense labor negotiations marked by the teachers' union voicing concerns over understaffing and employee burnout. The surplus of certified staff can be attributed in part to dwindling student enrollment and lackluster academic performance in certain schools, potentially necessitating site closures and class consolidations. While smaller, specialized schools often signify academic excellence, SFUSD grapples with student achievement challenges, forcing considerations of consolidation, which could mean larger class sizes and reduced per-student spending.
Despite recently adopting a $1.28 billion budget for 2023-24, the district anticipates another structural deficit looming on the horizon. Decisions regarding potential school closures and consolidations will involve community input and are slated for the months ahead.
So how is this relevant? The stark reality is that Black and Brown neighborhoods are often the first to bear the brunt of underfunded education systems is a deeply concerning and persistent issue. It reflects systemic inequalities that have long plagued the American education system. When schools in these communities lack adequate funding, the consequences are far-reaching, affecting both students and educators. The question remains: How many more generations of Black and Brown students must contend with subpar educational experiences? Also, how many more dedicated teachers must face unemployment before society recognizes the critical importance of equitable education funding?
SF public schools could close, merge as enrollment declines
Author: Allyson Aleksey | Jun 30, 2023