Max Harrison-Caldwell

The unknown number of San Francisco State University adjunct professors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/01/sfsu-lecturers-canned-amid-financial-emergency/">who face layoffs </a>this month amid a “financial emergency” are reeling as they try to figure out their next moves, but they’re not the only ones affected.&nbsp;

SFSU lecturers canned amid financial emergency 

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The unknown number of San Francisco State University adjunct professors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/01/sfsu-lecturers-canned-amid-financial-emergency/">who face layoffs </a>this month amid a “financial emergency” are reeling as they try to figure out their next moves, but they’re not the only ones affected.&nbsp;

SFSU students told The Standard they worry it will be harder to get into classes they need in order to graduate, and that the cuts will diminish the quality of their education.&nbsp;

SFSU students told The Standard they worry it will be harder to get into classes they need in order to graduate, and that the cuts will diminish the quality of their education.&nbsp;

“If you have fewer classes, the classes remaining are going to be way more crowded,” said Alban Gentile, a French exchange student who is studying at SFSU.&nbsp;

“If you have fewer classes, the classes remaining are going to be way more crowded,” said Alban Gentile, a French exchange student who is studying at SFSU.&nbsp;

He said that at his home university, Sciences Po in Paris, lectures can accommodate hundreds of students.&nbsp; Small class sizes and a favorable student-to-professor ratio are what drew him to SFSU, he said.

He said that at his home university, Sciences Po in Paris, lectures can accommodate hundreds of students.&nbsp; Small class sizes and a favorable student-to-professor ratio are what drew him to SFSU, he said.

“It’s a shame to have neoliberalism go to such an extent,” Gentile added.

“It’s a shame to have neoliberalism go to such an extent,” Gentile added.

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Some students are organizing to fight back. At a meeting Friday on campus, students brainstormed ways to raise awareness about the cuts and put pressure on administrators to reconsider.&nbsp;

Some students are organizing to fight back. At a meeting Friday on campus, students brainstormed ways to raise awareness about the cuts and put pressure on administrators to reconsider.&nbsp;

“Critical thinking is important, and they’re taking it away,” said Tiy Todd, a third-year political science major who this year transferred to SFSU from community college. Todd, 48, is a disabled veteran who left the military in 2003.&nbsp;

“Critical thinking is important, and they’re taking it away,” said Tiy Todd, a third-year political science major who this year transferred to SFSU from community college. Todd, 48, is a disabled veteran who left the military in 2003.&nbsp;

“There are so many people losing jobs,” she told The Standard. “I sympathize, because I’ve been broke, without healthcare or a plan. It’s gonna be a sad Christmas for a lot of people.”&nbsp;

“There are so many people losing jobs,” she told The Standard. “I sympathize, because I’ve been broke, without healthcare or a plan. It’s gonna be a sad Christmas for a lot of people.”&nbsp;

Philosophy student Tess Wheat holds the end of a petition  as fellow philosophy students confront SFSU Provost Amy Sueyoshi at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on December 9, 2024. The petition demands Philosophy department faculty to be reinstated, budgets to be restored, and a commitment to transparency in regards to the department budget.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_736.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people is standing in a hallway holding a long piece of paper. They appear to be part of a demonstration or protest, all facing one direction." class="wp-image-342965"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philosophy student Tess Wheat holds a petition as fellow students confront SFSU Provost Amy Sueyoshi, demanding the reinstatement of faculty and budget transparency for the Philosophy department.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_736.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people is standing in a hallway holding a long piece of paper. They appear to be part of a demonstration or protest, all facing one direction." class="wp-image-342965"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philosophy student Tess Wheat holds a petition as fellow students confront SFSU Provost Amy Sueyoshi, demanding the reinstatement of faculty and budget transparency for the Philosophy department.</figcaption></figure>

Natasha V. lays beside fake coffins during a “funeral march” demonstration at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on December 9, 2024. SFSU lecturers protest looming staffing cuts in the face of a severe budget shortfall.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="2237" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_2851.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd gathers in a park for a demonstration. A person lies on the grass in front. Signs display messages, and attendees appear engaged and attentive." class="wp-image-342972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Natasha V. lays beside fake coffins during a “funeral march” demonstration Wednesday at the university.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_2851.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd gathers in a park for a demonstration. A person lies on the grass in front. Signs display messages, and attendees appear engaged and attentive." class="wp-image-342972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Natasha V. lays beside fake coffins during a “funeral march” demonstration Wednesday at the university.</figcaption></figure>

Sohrab Ford, a second-year student majoring in philosophy and English education, was one of the meeting’s organizers.&nbsp;

Sohrab Ford, a second-year student majoring in philosophy and English education, was one of the meeting’s organizers.&nbsp;

“My first semester, they cut half the faculty in my department. It felt like a stab to the heart,” Ford said. “I really love these professors. They care deeply about us.”

“My first semester, they cut half the faculty in my department. It felt like a stab to the heart,” Ford said. “I really love these professors. They care deeply about us.”

Ford added that some of the energy from spring student demonstrations against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza had translated into the efforts to resist layoffs. The student, who wore a keffiyeh, said he wanted to draw a stronger connection between the California State University system’s investments in the defense industry and the cuts, quoting an old protest slogan: “Money for jobs and education, not for war and occupation.”

Ford added that some of the energy from spring student demonstrations against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza had translated into the efforts to resist layoffs. The student, who wore a keffiyeh, said he wanted to draw a stronger connection between the California State University system’s investments in the defense industry and the cuts, quoting an old protest slogan: “Money for jobs and education, not for war and occupation.”

SFSU spokesperson Bobby King said the university is cutting classes because it has fewer students.

SFSU spokesperson Bobby King said the university is cutting classes because it has fewer students.

“Because lecturer course assignments are based on real demand and enrollment, there should be no impact on students’ ability to get the courses they need,” King said via email.

“Because lecturer course assignments are based on real demand and enrollment, there should be no impact on students’ ability to get the courses they need,” King said via email.

Christy Shick, a lecturer in the English department, blamed the layoffs on “careerist administrators” who want to show how quickly they can cut costs and scoffed at the idea that the reductions would not affect students.

Christy Shick, a lecturer in the English department, blamed the layoffs on “careerist administrators” who want to show how quickly they can cut costs and scoffed at the idea that the reductions would not affect students.

David Gill, an English lecturer who was recently laid off, expresses his grievances against his former employer at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on December 6, 2024. SFSU students are growing concerned in the face of the school’s severe budget crisis and the looming prospect of increase staff layoffs in the new year.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="2296" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs_04.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gestures passionately during a discussion in a classroom setting, engaging with another man seated nearby. Other people look on and listen attentively." class="wp-image-342976"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Gill, an English lecturer who was recently laid off, expresses his grievances against his former employer.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs_04.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gestures passionately during a discussion in a classroom setting, engaging with another man seated nearby. Other people look on and listen attentively." class="wp-image-342976"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Gill, an English lecturer who was recently laid off, expresses his grievances against his former employer.</figcaption></figure>

Christian Dulce, an SFSU theater major, holds a sign during a “funeral march” demonstration at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on December 9, 2024. SFSU lecturers protest looming staffing cuts in the face of a severe budget shortfall.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="2500" width="2174" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_3321.jpg?w=2174" alt="A person in a yellow hoodie holds a sign reading &quot;Where's my EDUCATION???&quot; during a protest, with others in the background under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-342973"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christian Dulce, a theater major, protests Friday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_3321.jpg?w=2174" alt="A person in a yellow hoodie holds a sign reading &quot;Where's my EDUCATION???&quot; during a protest, with others in the background under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-342973"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christian Dulce, a theater major, protests Friday.</figcaption></figure>

“What planet are you living on?” Shick said via phone. “How high in the ivory tower are you that you’ve lost touch with the people on the ground here?”

“What planet are you living on?” Shick said via phone. “How high in the ivory tower are you that you’ve lost touch with the people on the ground here?”

She predicted that graduation rates would decrease dramatically in the next six years as a result of the downsizing.

She predicted that graduation rates would decrease dramatically in the next six years as a result of the downsizing.

But not everybody at Friday’s meeting shared that view. Fourth-year journalism student Neal Wong, who was wearing a lanyard for the SFSU newspaper Golden Gate Xpress, said it isn’t fair to solely blame administrators.

But not everybody at Friday’s meeting shared that view. Fourth-year journalism student Neal Wong, who was wearing a lanyard for the SFSU newspaper Golden Gate Xpress, said it isn’t fair to solely blame administrators.

“The issue is declining enrollment,” Wong told The Standard.&nbsp;

“The issue is declining enrollment,” Wong told The Standard.&nbsp;

King, the SFSU spokesperson, said enrollment fell to 22,357 students this fall from 29,586 in 2018.

King, the SFSU spokesperson, said enrollment fell to 22,357 students this fall from 29,586 in 2018.

While Wong acknowledged that the cuts would mean reduced access to “niche subjects,” he suggested that student concerns are overblown.

While Wong acknowledged that the cuts would mean reduced access to “niche subjects,” he suggested that student concerns are overblown.

“I’m not worried,” he said. “Professors are often more qualified than lecturers to teach courses.”

“I’m not worried,” he said. “Professors are often more qualified than lecturers to teach courses.”

Brie Flowers, a sociology major, dons funeral attire while listening to speakers during a “funeral march” demonstration at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on December 9, 2024. SFSU lecturers protest looming staffing cuts in the face of a severe budget shortfall.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_457.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman holds a black umbrella, wearing a black veil with polka dots and pearl earrings. She stands among others, with blurred greenery in the background." class="wp-image-342984"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brie Flowers, a sociology major, dons funeral attire at a demonstration Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-sfsustudentsperspectivelayoffs-funeral_457.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman holds a black umbrella, wearing a black veil with polka dots and pearl earrings. She stands among others, with blurred greenery in the background." class="wp-image-342984"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brie Flowers, a sociology major, dons funeral attire at a demonstration Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

Shehab Arikat, another student, was on campus Friday afternoon when he stopped to talk with The Standard.

Shehab Arikat, another student, was on campus Friday afternoon when he stopped to talk with The Standard.

“It’s crazy, man. So many people’s incomes depend on these classes,” he said. “Teachers won’t really be motivated to teach you if they know it might be their last semester.”

“It’s crazy, man. So many people’s incomes depend on these classes,” he said. “Teachers won’t really be motivated to teach you if they know it might be their last semester.”

SFSU teacher layoffs will destroy education, students say

Han Li

Under pressure to address a budget shortfall and declining enrollment, San Francisco&#8217;s embattled public school district is preparing to downsize.

Under pressure to address a budget shortfall and declining enrollment, San Francisco's embattled public school district is preparing to downsize.

Under pressure to address a budget shortfall and declining enrollment, San Francisco&#8217;s embattled public school district is preparing to downsize.

Superintendent Maria Su is expected to present at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting a detailed proposal for job cuts that will affect administrative and school staff and could eliminate entire departments.

Superintendent Maria Su is expected to present at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting a detailed proposal for job cuts that will affect administrative and school staff and could eliminate entire departments.

&#8220;The bulk of our ongoing costs are our employees,&#8221; Su said at last week’s board meeting. &#8220;It will be hard. It will be painful.&#8221;

"The bulk of our ongoing costs are our employees," Su said at last week’s board meeting. "It will be hard. It will be painful."

&#8220;The bulk of our ongoing costs are our employees,&#8221; Su said at last week’s board meeting. &#8220;It will be hard. It will be painful.&#8221;

The cuts will affect two tiers of employees in the San Francisco Unified School District: the &#8220;central office,&#8221; which houses administrative leadership and operations staff, and more than 100 school sites.

The cuts will affect two tiers of employees in the San Francisco Unified School District: the "central office," which houses administrative leadership and operations staff, and more than 100 school sites.

The cuts will affect two tiers of employees in the San Francisco Unified School District: the &#8220;central office,&#8221; which houses administrative leadership and operations staff, and more than 100 school sites.

According to an approved fiscal plan, the district must eliminate 535 positions —&nbsp;by handing out pink slips, nixing vacant roles, and offering <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/09/sfusd-teacher-buyout/">early retirement</a> — to save $114 million.

SF school district nudges older teachers out to save $113M

According to an approved fiscal plan, the district must eliminate 535 positions —&nbsp;by handing out pink slips, nixing vacant roles, and offering <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/09/sfusd-teacher-buyout/">early retirement</a> — to save $114 million.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-departments-on-the-chopping-block">Departments on the chopping block</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-departments-on-the-chopping-block">Departments on the chopping block</h2>

The central office has long faced criticism for being overstaffed. <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/BLA.SFUSD_.CentralAdmin.011023.pdf">A scathing 2023 city audit</a> revealed overspending in the district&#8217;s headquarters, whose headcount has since shrunk.

The central office has long faced criticism for being overstaffed. <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/BLA.SFUSD_.CentralAdmin.011023.pdf">A scathing 2023 city audit</a> revealed overspending in the district's headquarters, whose headcount has since shrunk.

The central office has long faced criticism for being overstaffed. <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/BLA.SFUSD_.CentralAdmin.011023.pdf">A scathing 2023 city audit</a> revealed overspending in the district&#8217;s headquarters, whose headcount has since shrunk.

The central office employs <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/focus-area-2-reorganize-central-office">about 956 people</a>, representing 11% of district employees. These positions <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XpPqOVpp3Tgy_LxUvvmNfDaX5akkOF2caG8vVVaoVgQ/edit">span more than 20 departments</a> within a large bureaucracy, including the cabinet, various superintendent roles, educational services, human resources, legal counsel, enrollment center, and the student nutrition center.

The central office employs <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/focus-area-2-reorganize-central-office">about 956 people</a>, representing 11% of district employees. These positions <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XpPqOVpp3Tgy_LxUvvmNfDaX5akkOF2caG8vVVaoVgQ/edit">span more than 20 departments</a> within a large bureaucracy, including the cabinet, various superintendent roles, educational services, human resources, legal counsel, enrollment center, and the student nutrition center.

The central office houses administrative leadership and operations staff.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/screenshot-2025-02-06-at-5-53-37-pm.png?w=2464" alt="The image shows an organizational chart for a cabinet, led by Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, with various deputies and assistants overseeing different departments." class="wp-image-364761"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The central office houses administrative leadership and operations staff.</figcaption></figure>

Su has directed central office leaders to propose cuts ranging from 20% to 100% within their divisions, acknowledging that some may be eliminated entirely. While Su hasn&#8217;t specified which departments will be affected, she said certain programs cannot continue to operate after a major cut.

Su has directed central office leaders to propose cuts ranging from 20% to 100% within their divisions, acknowledging that some may be eliminated entirely. While Su hasn't specified which departments will be affected, she said certain programs cannot continue to operate after a major cut.

Su has directed central office leaders to propose cuts ranging from 20% to 100% within their divisions, acknowledging that some may be eliminated entirely. While Su hasn&#8217;t specified which departments will be affected, she said certain programs cannot continue to operate after a major cut.

“If we cut 50% of that program, there is no program left,” she said.

“If we cut 50% of that program, there is no program left,” she said.

Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, told The Standard that the cuts should be “as far away from students as possible” and focus on the central office. In early 2024, the union <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13yqmg3Qwrxchh8ggeMEcHpLEqb6aIoIO/view?pli=1">published a report</a> criticizing the central office as &#8220;bloated.&#8221;

Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, told The Standard that the cuts should be “as far away from students as possible” and focus on the central office. In early 2024, the union <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13yqmg3Qwrxchh8ggeMEcHpLEqb6aIoIO/view?pli=1">published a report</a> criticizing the central office as "bloated."

Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, told The Standard that the cuts should be “as far away from students as possible” and focus on the central office. In early 2024, the union <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13yqmg3Qwrxchh8ggeMEcHpLEqb6aIoIO/view?pli=1">published a report</a> criticizing the central office as &#8220;bloated.&#8221;

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The district defended the central office as essential but acknowledged that further reductions are necessary.

The district defended the central office as essential but acknowledged that further reductions are necessary.

&#8220;To soften the impact of SFUSD&#8217;s structural deficit on schools, we are exploring what additional reductions can be made to central office staffing,&#8221; SFUSD said in a statement.

"To soften the impact of SFUSD's structural deficit on schools, we are exploring what additional reductions can be made to central office staffing," SFUSD said in a statement.

&#8220;To soften the impact of SFUSD&#8217;s structural deficit on schools, we are exploring what additional reductions can be made to central office staffing,&#8221; SFUSD said in a statement.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classroom-cuts">Classroom cuts?</h2>

With the district’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">controversial school closure plan</a> on hold, Su’s focus has changed to shrinking staff. She indicated that basic staffing for school sites —&nbsp;such as a principal, clerk, and teachers —&nbsp;will remain in place. However, assistant principals and other positions may be eliminated.

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With the district’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">controversial school closure plan</a> on hold, Su’s focus has changed to shrinking staff. She indicated that basic staffing for school sites —&nbsp;such as a principal, clerk, and teachers —&nbsp;will remain in place. However, assistant principals and other positions may be eliminated.

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, more than a dozen principals and assistant principals pushed back against potential layoffs and what they described as insufficient community engagement in the process.

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, more than a dozen principals and assistant principals pushed back against potential layoffs and what they described as insufficient community engagement in the process.

Stella Kim, principal at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, highlighted the need for full staffing by describing a recent crisis at her facility.

Stella Kim, principal at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, highlighted the need for full staffing by describing a recent crisis at her facility.

&#8220;Just this past month, in 16 school days, we had three students hospitalized for mental health reasons,&#8221; Kim told the board. &#8220;We were able to respond because we had a team. Please keep that in mind.&#8221;

"Just this past month, in 16 school days, we had three students hospitalized for mental health reasons," Kim told the board. "We were able to respond because we had a team. Please keep that in mind."

&#8220;Just this past month, in 16 school days, we had three students hospitalized for mental health reasons,&#8221; Kim told the board. &#8220;We were able to respond because we had a team. Please keep that in mind.&#8221;

A classroom on the first day of school at Aptos Middle School, in San Francisco on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Wednesday kicked off SFUSD’s 183-day school year with nervousness, reunion and excitement.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SchoolReturns081623_33.jpg?w=2500" alt="A room with scattered black chairs and tables, blue and orange partitions, three windows, plants, and a fabric-covered table with a fan." class="wp-image-206859"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The staffing cuts will affect classrooms across the district.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SchoolReturns081623_33.jpg?w=2500" alt="A room with scattered black chairs and tables, blue and orange partitions, three windows, plants, and a fabric-covered table with a fan." class="wp-image-206859"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The staffing cuts will affect classrooms across the district.</figcaption></figure>

Su promised that school site leaders will receive their budget numbers this month, and district leaders will engage in discussions with them about next steps.

Su promised that school site leaders will receive their budget numbers this month, and district leaders will engage in discussions with them about next steps.

The layoff plan will coincide with an employee buyout program offering one-time cash payments for early retirement. The district will finalize the buyout plan this month. Layoff notifications will begin in March and continue to May, after the governor&#8217;s budget is completed.

The layoff plan will coincide with an employee buyout program offering one-time cash payments for early retirement. The district will finalize the buyout plan this month. Layoff notifications will begin in March and continue to May, after the governor's budget is completed.

The layoff plan will coincide with an employee buyout program offering one-time cash payments for early retirement. The district will finalize the buyout plan this month. Layoff notifications will begin in March and continue to May, after the governor&#8217;s budget is completed.

Board President Phil Kim, who was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">a central office staffer before being appointed to the board</a>, expressed confidence that Su will produce a balanced budget with support from the California Department of Education, calling the cuts &#8220;challenging and emotional but necessary for fiscal stability.&#8221;

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Board President Phil Kim, who was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">a central office staffer before being appointed to the board</a>, expressed confidence that Su will produce a balanced budget with support from the California Department of Education, calling the cuts "challenging and emotional but necessary for fiscal stability."

Board President Phil Kim, who was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">a central office staffer before being appointed to the board</a>, expressed confidence that Su will produce a balanced budget with support from the California Department of Education, calling the cuts &#8220;challenging and emotional but necessary for fiscal stability.&#8221;

The state&#8217;s role adds another layer of complexity, as SFUSD&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">downgraded financial status requires state oversight of financial decisions</a>. Elliott Duchon, the state-appointed fiscal advisor, didn’t reveal his opinions on the staffing remodel plan at last week’s meeting but acknowledged the difficult process ahead and encouraged teachers and other staffers to remain dedicated to their jobs.

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The state's role adds another layer of complexity, as SFUSD's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">downgraded financial status requires state oversight of financial decisions</a>. Elliott Duchon, the state-appointed fiscal advisor, didn’t reveal his opinions on the staffing remodel plan at last week’s meeting but acknowledged the difficult process ahead and encouraged teachers and other staffers to remain dedicated to their jobs.

The state&#8217;s role adds another layer of complexity, as SFUSD&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">downgraded financial status requires state oversight of financial decisions</a>. Elliott Duchon, the state-appointed fiscal advisor, didn’t reveal his opinions on the staffing remodel plan at last week’s meeting but acknowledged the difficult process ahead and encouraged teachers and other staffers to remain dedicated to their jobs.

&#8220;The message to people in the community is: ‘Hang on,’” Duchon said. “Work for the best; don&#8217;t hope for the best.&#8221;

"The message to people in the community is: ‘Hang on,’” Duchon said. “Work for the best; don't hope for the best."

&#8220;The message to people in the community is: ‘Hang on,’” Duchon said. “Work for the best; don&#8217;t hope for the best.&#8221;

SFUSD prepares for ‘painful’ cuts across schools, central office

Griffin Jones

Codion Isom planned on using the winter break to move out of the one-bedroom in the Bayview he shares with his four kids and into Shirley Chisholm Village in the Outer Sunset, the city’s only affordable housing project to specifically prioritize educators.&nbsp;

Codion Isom planned on using the winter break to move out of the one-bedroom in the Bayview he shares with his four kids and into Shirley Chisholm Village in the Outer Sunset, the city’s only affordable housing project to specifically prioritize educators.&nbsp;

But the Malcolm X Academy kindergarten teacher received grim news just before the new year. Shirley Chisholm’s management had denied his application for a third time.

But the Malcolm X Academy kindergarten teacher received grim news just before the new year. Shirley Chisholm’s management had denied his application for a third time.

The 135-unit affordable housing complex at 1360 43rd Ave. was built by San Mateo-based developer MidPen Housing to keep San Francisco Unified School District employees in the city where they work and improve the district’s bleak retention rates. According to a United Educators union spokesperson, some 400 teachers have left the district each year since the pandemic, a loss communities feel on all levels.

The 135-unit affordable housing complex at 1360 43rd Ave. was built by San Mateo-based developer MidPen Housing to keep San Francisco Unified School District employees in the city where they work and improve the district’s bleak retention rates. According to a United Educators union spokesperson, some 400 teachers have left the district each year since the pandemic, a loss communities feel on all levels.

Codion Isom poses for a portrait in his classroom at the Malcolm X Academy in San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. A long awaited housing project at Shirley Chisholm Village at 1360 43rd avenue was supposed to be the dream for SF teachers, but they can’t afford it.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8175321043_sfteachershousing_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing a &quot;Young, Gifted and Black&quot; shirt sits on a school desk in a classroom with colorful bins and educational posters around him." class="wp-image-362080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Codion Isom has been a kindergarten teacher at Malcolm X Academy for four years.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8175321043_sfteachershousing_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing a &quot;Young, Gifted and Black&quot; shirt sits on a school desk in a classroom with colorful bins and educational posters around him." class="wp-image-362080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Codion Isom has been a kindergarten teacher at Malcolm X Academy for four years.</figcaption></figure>

At Shirley Chisholm, SFUSD educators receive priority in the city&#8217;s chaotic lottery that awards limited housing spots. Nearly 1,000 district employees flooded the application portal when it opened in April.&nbsp;

At Shirley Chisholm, SFUSD educators receive priority in the city's chaotic lottery that awards limited housing spots. Nearly 1,000 district employees flooded the application portal when it opened in April.&nbsp;

At Shirley Chisholm, SFUSD educators receive priority in the city&#8217;s chaotic lottery that awards limited housing spots. Nearly 1,000 district employees flooded the application portal when it opened in April.&nbsp;

Isom is the exact type of person the project was meant to house. In fact, SFUSD asked him to participate in a local news report last spring <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/lottery-drawn-for-san-francisco-educators-to-get-first-chance-at-renting-affordable-units/">to promote</a> the complex.&nbsp;

Isom is the exact type of person the project was meant to house. In fact, SFUSD asked him to participate in a local news report last spring <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/lottery-drawn-for-san-francisco-educators-to-get-first-chance-at-renting-affordable-units/">to promote</a> the complex.&nbsp;

In April, he and a handful of colleagues applied for residences in Chisholm. Some already had plans to carpool from the Sunset to Bayview. Fast forward a few months, and Isom’s prospective dream home had turned into a nightmare experience all too common in the city’s Kafkaesque system for affordable housing.

In April, he and a handful of colleagues applied for residences in Chisholm. Some already had plans to carpool from the Sunset to Bayview. Fast forward a few months, and Isom’s prospective dream home had turned into a nightmare experience all too common in the city’s Kafkaesque system for affordable housing.

His first rejection notice from MidPen came in October. But conflicting reasons provided by the company just didn’t add up. A representative said Isom’s annual income was calculated to be $102,262.68, and the maximum for a five-person household at Chisholm was $97,100.

His first rejection notice from MidPen came in October. But conflicting reasons provided by the company just didn’t add up. A representative said Isom’s annual income was calculated to be $102,262.68, and the maximum for a five-person household at Chisholm was $97,100.

Isom is one of more than a dozen educators interviewed by The Standard who have applied to Chisholm and describe a flawed process that keeps out potentially qualified candidates due to issues ranging from miscalculated incomes to disconnected phones to the inability to record child custody agreements accurately.&nbsp;

Isom is one of more than a dozen educators interviewed by The Standard who have applied to Chisholm and describe a flawed process that keeps out potentially qualified candidates due to issues ranging from miscalculated incomes to disconnected phones to the inability to record child custody agreements accurately.&nbsp;

“The process was so bad,” Isom said of his months-long application ordeal. “I&#8217;m scared to even try to look for housing now, just to feel rejected.”

“The process was so bad,” Isom said of his months-long application ordeal. “I'm scared to even try to look for housing now, just to feel rejected.”

“The process was so bad,” Isom said of his months-long application ordeal. “I&#8217;m scared to even try to look for housing now, just to feel rejected.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-matters">Family matters</h2>

When Isom received the housing lottery results in August, he breathed a sigh of relief. His priority status as an educator and standing as a U.S. Army veteran helped him draw No. 3 in the sea of applicants.&nbsp;

When Isom received the housing lottery results in August, he breathed a sigh of relief. His priority status as an educator and standing as a U.S. Army veteran helped him draw No. 3 in the sea of applicants.&nbsp;

Isom has full custody of one child and shared custody of his three other kids. With a five-person household, he was hoping to qualify for a three-bedroom apartment at Chisholm and passed on a one-bedroom in an affordable housing complex closer to his school.

Isom has full custody of one child and shared custody of his three other kids. With a five-person household, he was hoping to qualify for a three-bedroom apartment at Chisholm and passed on a one-bedroom in an affordable housing complex closer to his school.

According to tax documents and paystubs viewed by The Standard, Isom earned about $6,700 a month before taxes in 2024. Two of those months included one-time lump sums, bringing his 2024 income to $91,375 gross pay, well within the limit.

According to tax documents and paystubs viewed by The Standard, Isom earned about $6,700 a month before taxes in 2024. Two of those months included one-time lump sums, bringing his 2024 income to $91,375 gross pay, well within the limit.

Codion Isom installs batteries to a toy for his five-year-old son Zaire Isom in San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. A long awaited housing project at Shirley Chisholm Village at 1360 43rd avenue was supposed to be the dream for SF teachers, but they can’t afford it.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="2275" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8175321043_sfteachershousing_0311.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man and child are in a kitchen; the man is holding a plate of food while the child stands near him. A cozy living area with a couch is visible." class="wp-image-362084"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Isom with son Zaire, 5, in the apartment they share in the Bayview.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8175321043_sfteachershousing_0311.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man and child are in a kitchen; the man is holding a plate of food while the child stands near him. A cozy living area with a couch is visible." class="wp-image-362084"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Isom with son Zaire, 5, in the apartment they share in the Bayview.</figcaption></figure>

“The MidPen workers I talked to said they were temps,” said Isom. “So I tried to not put any of the fault on them.”

“The MidPen workers I talked to said they were temps,” said Isom. “So I tried to not put any of the fault on them.”

Furthermore, the San Francisco affordable housing portal DAHLIA listed Chisholm&#8217;s income limit for a five-person household at $105,192 (65% of the area’s median) Isom pointed out this discrepancy to MidPen and received a response that boiled down to: Oops, our bad.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the San Francisco affordable housing portal DAHLIA listed Chisholm's income limit for a five-person household at $105,192 (65% of the area’s median) Isom pointed out this discrepancy to MidPen and received a response that boiled down to: Oops, our bad.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the San Francisco affordable housing portal DAHLIA listed Chisholm&#8217;s income limit for a five-person household at $105,192 (65% of the area’s median) Isom pointed out this discrepancy to MidPen and received a response that boiled down to: Oops, our bad.&nbsp;

MidPen executive Leanne Morford wrote in an email that the company was “inadvertently advertising the wrong income limit (65%) on its applicant portal … and they will ensure that the correct income level (60%) is noted on DAHLIA.” <a href="https://housing.sfgov.org/listings/a0W4U00000SWdyaUAD">The portal</a> still advertises a 65% income limit for three-bedroom applicants.

MidPen executive Leanne Morford wrote in an email that the company was “inadvertently advertising the wrong income limit (65%) on its applicant portal … and they will ensure that the correct income level (60%) is noted on DAHLIA.” <a href="https://housing.sfgov.org/listings/a0W4U00000SWdyaUAD">The portal</a> still advertises a 65% income limit for three-bedroom applicants.

“This is where it gets really funny,” Isom said.&nbsp;

“This is where it gets really funny,” Isom said.&nbsp;

Back-and-forth emails between Isom and MidPen showed wildly different income and custody calculations throughout the fall. He was sometimes determined to be at 100% of the city’s area median income (AMI); other times, 80%. Rent for a two-bedroom was calculated at $2,972, then dropped to $2,323 — both figures just under half his monthly take-home pay.

Back-and-forth emails between Isom and MidPen showed wildly different income and custody calculations throughout the fall. He was sometimes determined to be at 100% of the city’s area median income (AMI); other times, 80%. Rent for a two-bedroom was calculated at $2,972, then dropped to $2,323 — both figures just under half his monthly take-home pay.

Isom brushed off the messages as miscommunication. He held out hope his family would be comfortably housed by the new year. But further exchanges with MidPen and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development revealed another reason for his rejection: the custody arrangement for his children.

Isom brushed off the messages as miscommunication. He held out hope his family would be comfortably housed by the new year. But further exchanges with MidPen and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development revealed another reason for his rejection: the custody arrangement for his children.

By MidPen’s estimate, Isom has a two-person household, even though he has 100% custody of Zaire, 5, and 50% or more custody of Amina, 10; Raelyn, 8; and Victoria, 2. Under San Francisco <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/Inclusionary%20Affordable%20Housing%20Monitoring%20and%20Procedures%20Manual%20Final%207.25.24.pdf">regulations, 30% custody means a child is part of a household;</a> federal officials go by a <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/doc_35645.pdf">50% minimum custody arrangement</a>.&nbsp;

By MidPen’s estimate, Isom has a two-person household, even though he has 100% custody of Zaire, 5, and 50% or more custody of Amina, 10; Raelyn, 8; and Victoria, 2. Under San Francisco <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/Inclusionary%20Affordable%20Housing%20Monitoring%20and%20Procedures%20Manual%20Final%207.25.24.pdf">regulations, 30% custody means a child is part of a household;</a> federal officials go by a <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/doc_35645.pdf">50% minimum custody arrangement</a>.&nbsp;

However, many parents have informal custody agreements made without court orders. This presented a challenge for some Chisholm applicants interviewed by The Standard. Even when court orders existed, MidPen refused to accept them in some cases. For example, MidPen did not accept official court custody orders for Isom’s daughter Amina because the agreement was struck in a different state.&nbsp;

However, many parents have informal custody agreements made without court orders. This presented a challenge for some Chisholm applicants interviewed by The Standard. Even when court orders existed, MidPen refused to accept them in some cases. For example, MidPen did not accept official court custody orders for Isom’s daughter Amina because the agreement was struck in a different state.&nbsp;

Isom was told that, without documents proving more than 50% custody of his three other children, only Zaire could be added to the lease — even though Zaire also lacks a formal court order for custody.

Isom was told that, without documents proving more than 50% custody of his three other children, only Zaire could be added to the lease — even though Zaire also lacks a formal court order for custody.

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