Tell the Board of Supervisors: Restore remote public comment for committee meetings!

This is a call to action urging San Franciscans to contact the Board of Supervisors and demand the reinstatement of remote public comment for committee meetings. The ability to provide comment remotely was eliminated in Fall 2023, limiting participation for those unable to attend in-person meetings. The organizers highlight the challenges this poses for parents and working individuals, emphasizing that excluding community voices undermines democratic participation. They provide a link to a letter-writing tool and encourage community members to get involved

Policy, Family Engagementppssf adminFebruary 19, 2025remote public comment, board of supervisors, accessComment

Access at Risk: The Implications of Cutting School Buses in SFUSD

Despite abandoning a plan to close 11 schools in October 2024, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) considered eliminating general education (GE) school bus service, impacting roughly 2000 students and saving a mere $2.6 million. While this was included in the December 2024 Fiscal Stabilization Plan, it was later deemed an "old plan" and cancelled. The author argues this cut is shortsighted, as it disproportionately affects low-income and English-learner students who rely on bus service to access diverse school programs across the city. Eliminating the buses would not only shift transportation costs to families but also exacerbate existing inequalities. The state subsidizes 60% of bus costs, meaning the district wouldn't realize the full projected savings. Further, the district lacks data to conduct an equity analysis of the impact of this cut, highlighting a lack of transparency and consideration for the logistical challenges faced by families, particularly those in lower-income neighborhoods. A more equitable solution would involve re-evaluating school program locations and the school assignment system to minimize the need for extensive bus routes.

Family Engagementppssf adminFebruary 19, 2025access, transportation, budgetsComment

Navigating the SFUSD Staffing Crisis: Questions for a Sustainable Future

This excerpt expresses deep concern over the impact of budget cuts and a new staffing model on special education in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The author raises critical questions about how the district can fulfill its legal and ethical obligations to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) while facing significant staff shortages and reductions in support services. The piece highlights the impossibility of meeting LCAP priorities (improving literacy and math interventions, increasing graduation rates, addressing chronic absenteeism, and providing social-emotional support) without adequate staffing. The author emphasizes the unsustainable workload placed on educators and the potential for further staff attrition, ultimately questioning how the district can maintain quality education under these conditions. The central plea is for community engagement and a transparent decision-making process that prioritizes student well-being.

Family Engagementppssf adminFebruary 19, 2025effective decision making, whole child, budget cuts, FAPEComment

Plan an Unforgettable Summer for Your Kids

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco is hosting a resource table the free Summer Resource Fair on Saturday, February 22nd at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue). The event features a wide range of summer camps and activities for children in grades K-8, covering sports, arts, STEM, academic enrichment, and more. Families can meet program representatives, ask questions, and register for programs. More information is available at https://www.sf.gov/san-francisco-summer-resource-fair.

Family Engagementppssf adminFebruary 19, 2025summer learning, summer activities, ppssf resource tableComment

Today is a day of opportunity! A message from our Executive Director

Parents for Public Schools San Francisco (PPS-SF) is sounding the alarm about proposed budget cuts in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) that threaten essential programs serving vulnerable student populations. While acknowledging the need for budget reductions, PPS-SF criticizes the lack of transparency and impact analysis in the decision-making process. They argue that the proposed cuts, potentially reaching 100% in some areas, would disproportionately harm students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including English learners, students with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

To address this, PPS-SF has presented an Immigration Workgroup plan to SFUSD, aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for immigrant students. They have also met with SFUSD leadership to advocate for the needs of vulnerable students and to ensure alignment between budget cuts and the district's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). They emphasize that children are not mere numbers but individuals with unique needs, and decisions must be guided by data-driven impact analyses rather than arbitrary cuts.

PPS-SF's call to action urges community members to contact their elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to voice their concerns. They encourage participation in school site council meetings, public comment periods at board meetings, and other opportunities for community engagement to hold the school district accountable and advocate for equitable resource allocation.