$1.3 billion budget not enough: Hundreds of San Francisco teachers and staff to be fired amid financial challenges
San Francisco, California – Faced with a $113 million shortfall for the next 2025-26 school year, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) must make difficult decisions in a major effort to solve budgetary restrictions. The SFUSD Board of Education is scheduled to vote on sending initial layoff notices to hundreds of district staff members amid budgetary difficulties. This decision matches the district’s initiatives toward financial stability and minimization of effects on educational programs.
Operating on a $1.3 billion budget, the SFUSD spends almost 80% for staffing expenses. SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su stated in reaction to the impending budget shortage the necessity of labor cuts both in central office roles and throughout campuses. The district has to notify impacted staff members by March 15 in compliance with state requirements, which calls for quick Board response.
The upcoming Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, will be crucial. The Board will review authorizing the distribution of preliminary layoff notices for 164 classified and 395 certificated positions. This marks a previous ruling on February 11 approving the non-renewal of temporary one-year teaching posts and giving preliminary notifications to 149 certificated administrators regarding possible discharge or transfer.
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Before applying seniority and other tiebreaker criteria, the procedure for deciding which employees will get layoff notifications consists in several processes including evaluation of resignations, retirements, and leaves. Although the March letters are preliminary, the final layoff announcements are set for May, leaving a little room depending on the financial situation of the district as reported in the upcoming Second Interim Budget Report.
“I recognize the stress and uncertainty that this process has on our employees,” Superintendent Dr. Maria Su said in a news release.
“We care deeply about our staff, who show up every day in service of our students and families. When all is said and done, this affects people’s lives and I do not take that lightly. At the same time, it is my responsibility to make these difficult decisions to address our structural deficit and achieve fiscal solvency. We will center these decisions on our students, and ultimately, stabilizing our district will provide predictability for staff so that our students can learn and thrive.”
To further control the deficit and reduce layoffs, the district is also using various other strategies. Among these are implementing a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) to inspire qualified workers to retire, less reliance on outside outsourced services, and best use of limited resources.
“The Board of Education and district leadership will continue to work together as a strong governance team to regain local control of our budget,” Board of Education President Phil Kim said. “The utmost level of care and diligence is at the forefront of this work. Our staff, students, and families deserve clarity, transparency, and honesty as we make the critical, but necessary decisions in front of us.”
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The results of the forthcoming Board meeting will be crucial in determining the staffing and budget management of SFUSD going forward as it deals with difficult financial terrain. With bated breath, community residents and staff await these decisions hoping for answers that find a balance between financial obligations and the educational needs of San Francisco’s youngsters.
