Han Li

After crossing seven countries, Yeniffer Bejarano and her three toddlers arrived in San Francisco from Colombia in July. Her first priority was finding a school for her Spanish-speaking kids.

core/paragraph

After crossing seven countries, Yeniffer Bejarano and her three toddlers arrived in San Francisco from Colombia in July. Her first priority was finding a school for her Spanish-speaking kids.

&#8220;When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school,&#8221; Bejarano said in Spanish. &#8220;I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers.&#8221;

"When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school," Bejarano said in Spanish. "I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers."

&#8220;When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school,&#8221; Bejarano said in Spanish. &#8220;I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers.&#8221;

She was referred to Mission Education Center, a Noe Valley elementary school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants. The school provides a soft landing for newcomers from Spanish-speaking regions, offering special-needs support with social workers and nurses to help students recover from difficult immigration experiences.

She was referred to Mission Education Center, a Noe Valley elementary school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants. The school provides a soft landing for newcomers from Spanish-speaking regions, offering special-needs support with social workers and nurses to help students recover from difficult immigration experiences.

Yeniffer Bajarano speaks during a protest at the Mission Education Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Parents and staff at Mission Education Center, a public school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants, are holding a rally to protest the school cuts.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person speaks into a microphone at a rally, holding a sign about social workers. Others stand nearby with signs, and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-379349"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yeniffer Bejarano, a Colombian immigrant whose children attend the school, speaks out against the staffing cuts.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person speaks into a microphone at a rally, holding a sign about social workers. Others stand nearby with signs, and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-379349"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yeniffer Bejarano, a Colombian immigrant whose children attend the school, speaks out against the staffing cuts.</figcaption></figure>

With President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and early actions triggering widespread fear of immigration raids, and the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/07/sfusd-central-office-school-site-staff-cut/">struggling with budget cuts</a>, immigrant community members are rallying around the need to defend and expand the educational services they rely on.

SFUSD prepares for &#8216;painful&#8217; cuts across schools, central office

With President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and early actions triggering widespread fear of immigration raids, and the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/07/sfusd-central-office-school-site-staff-cut/">struggling with budget cuts</a>, immigrant community members are rallying around the need to defend and expand the educational services they rely on.

This week, more than 70 kids, parents, and staffers held a protest outside the MEC campus against planned cuts to the school. Specifically, the budget calls for reducing staffing from four to just two teachers for grades 1 through 5, which could mean three grades combined in one classroom. The cuts also would reduce a full-time social worker position to part-time and eliminate all nurses and paraeducators.

This week, more than 70 kids, parents, and staffers held a protest outside the MEC campus against planned cuts to the school. Specifically, the budget calls for reducing staffing from four to just two teachers for grades 1 through 5, which could mean three grades combined in one classroom. The cuts also would reduce a full-time social worker position to part-time and eliminate all nurses and paraeducators.

&#8220;We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families,&#8221; a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.

"We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families," a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.

&#8220;We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families,&#8221; a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.

Kimberly Ruano, 32, arrived in the U.S. more than a year ago from Guatemala and has two children enrolled at MEC. She said many immigrants face challenges such as family separation and food, job, and housing insecurity. The children have often undergone trauma and need specialized support before transitioning to general education.

Kimberly Ruano, 32, arrived in the U.S. more than a year ago from Guatemala and has two children enrolled at MEC. She said many immigrants face challenges such as family separation and food, job, and housing insecurity. The children have often undergone trauma and need specialized support before transitioning to general education.

At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home,&#8221; Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. &#8220;With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?&#8221;

At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home," Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. "With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?"

At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home,&#8221; Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. &#8220;With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?&#8221;

Only 18 students are enrolled for next year, but numbers are expected to grow as immigrants arrive throughout the year.

Only 18 students are enrolled for next year, but numbers are expected to grow as immigrants arrive throughout the year.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fears-of-closure">Fears of closure </h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fears-of-closure">Fears of closure </h2>

In early 2024, Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School in Chinatown, which serves Chinese immigrant newcomers, merged with a nearby school due to low enrollment, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/is-san-francisco-about-to-close-some-schools-chinatown-could-see-the-first-to-go/">becoming the first in the district to lose its campus in recent years</a>.

Is San Francisco about to close some schools? Chinatown could see the first to go

In early 2024, Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School in Chinatown, which serves Chinese immigrant newcomers, merged with a nearby school due to low enrollment, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/is-san-francisco-about-to-close-some-schools-chinatown-could-see-the-first-to-go/">becoming the first in the district to lose its campus in recent years</a>.

While the district has halted a school closure plan, and Superintendent Maria Su has stated that no schools will close in the coming year, families are worried.&nbsp;

While the district has halted a school closure plan, and Superintendent Maria Su has stated that no schools will close in the coming year, families are worried.&nbsp;

Kids chant and hold signs during a protest at the Mission Education Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Parents and staff at Mission Education Center, a public school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants, are holding a rally to protest the school cuts.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_003.jpg?w=2500" alt="Children hold protest signs about education beside a yellow school bus. The signs express demands for inclusive decision-making and support for immigrant families." class="wp-image-379351"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mission Education Center students at the protest.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_003.jpg?w=2500" alt="Children hold protest signs about education beside a yellow school bus. The signs express demands for inclusive decision-making and support for immigrant families." class="wp-image-379351"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mission Education Center students at the protest.</figcaption></figure>

Some parents believe SFUSD intends to redirect more students to other schools and phase out MEC’s K-5 programs.

Some parents believe SFUSD intends to redirect more students to other schools and phase out MEC’s K-5 programs.

&#8220;I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school,&#8221; said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.

"I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school," said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.

&#8220;I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school,&#8221; said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.

SFUSD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/sfusd-enrollment-surge-tk/">added two more transitional kindergarten classes</a> to MEC while offering no kindergarten this year. Geiger-Schuller speculated that this marked the beginning of an effort to slowly turn MEC into an early care center.

SF public schools get surprising surge in applications

SFUSD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/sfusd-enrollment-surge-tk/">added two more transitional kindergarten classes</a> to MEC while offering no kindergarten this year. Geiger-Schuller speculated that this marked the beginning of an effort to slowly turn MEC into an early care center.

An SFUSD spokesperson said the district remains committed to serving newcomer students, and Spanish-speaking newcomer families have the option of enrolling at MEC or a school with general education and biliteracy programs.

An SFUSD spokesperson said the district remains committed to serving newcomer students, and Spanish-speaking newcomer families have the option of enrolling at MEC or a school with general education and biliteracy programs.

There are 13 elementary schools with more newcomer students enrolled than MEC, according to the district. While other schools might offer more options, MEC will remain open, at least for the next school year, district officials stress.

There are 13 elementary schools with more newcomer students enrolled than MEC, according to the district. While other schools might offer more options, MEC will remain open, at least for the next school year, district officials stress.

&#8220;There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year,&#8221; an SFUSD statement said.

"There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year," an SFUSD statement said.

&#8220;There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year,&#8221; an SFUSD statement said.

But for Bejarano, the news isn’t reassuring. Her three children are anxious, affected by both the political climate and the prospect of transferring to general education schools that lack the specialized support MEC provides.

But for Bejarano, the news isn’t reassuring. Her three children are anxious, affected by both the political climate and the prospect of transferring to general education schools that lack the specialized support MEC provides.

&#8220;They&#8217;re nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them,&#8221; she said.

"They're nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them," she said.

&#8220;They&#8217;re nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them,&#8221; she said.

Amid Trump’s threats, this SF school for immigrant kids feels on edge

The San Francisco Republican Party has elected as chair an education consultant who will be the face of a small but growing conservative community in the deep-blue city.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Republican Party has elected as chair an education consultant who will be the face of a small but growing conservative community in the deep-blue city.&nbsp;

Bill Jackson, 60, an entrepreneur turned Republican activist, said his goal is to be a bridge builder: He often votes for Democrats in local races, as there rarely are Republican candidates, and aspires to “break the taboo among a certain class of San Francisco Democratic political leaders to even work with Republicans.”&nbsp;

Bill Jackson, 60, an entrepreneur turned Republican activist, said his goal is to be a bridge builder: He often votes for Democrats in local races, as there rarely are Republican candidates, and aspires to “break the taboo among a certain class of San Francisco Democratic political leaders to even work with Republicans.”&nbsp;

In 2021, Jackson cofounded the centrist Republican group Briones Society. In March, a slate of candidates organized by the Briones Society, including Jackson, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">won in a landslide</a> in the Republican County Central Committee election, signaling a moderate shift in the local party.

San Francisco Republicans elect new party leadership

In 2021, Jackson cofounded the centrist Republican group Briones Society. In March, a slate of candidates organized by the Briones Society, including Jackson, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">won in a landslide</a> in the Republican County Central Committee election, signaling a moderate shift in the local party.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-san-francisco-mayor/">As Mayor Daniel Lurie celebrated his inauguration</a> on Wednesday, Jackson and his fellow winners were sworn in as Republican Party leaders, who will set the agenda, make endorsements, and attempt to expand the party’s influence. Jackson said his top choices in the November mayoral election were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-francisco-mayoral-election-republican-voters/">Lurie</a> and moderate Democrat Mark Farrell, though he declined to reveal his ranked-choice order.

Live blog: Chinatown celebrates Daniel Lurie as he becomes mayor

Lurie and Farrell capture mayor’s race in one key demo: Republicans 

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-san-francisco-mayor/">As Mayor Daniel Lurie celebrated his inauguration</a> on Wednesday, Jackson and his fellow winners were sworn in as Republican Party leaders, who will set the agenda, make endorsements, and attempt to expand the party’s influence. Jackson said his top choices in the November mayoral election were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-francisco-mayoral-election-republican-voters/">Lurie</a> and moderate Democrat Mark Farrell, though he declined to reveal his ranked-choice order.

Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks after being sworn into office in front of City Hall in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Daniel Lurie, a member of the Democratic Party and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, has been officially inaugurated as the 46th mayor of San Francisco. With a strong background in philanthropy and public service, he steps into this important role ready to make significant contributions to the city's vibrant community. His administration will focus on addressing major issues facing the city, including drug-related challenges, homelessness, and housing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/amanda-andrade-rhoades-to-cover-daniel-luries-inauguration-day_aar_9-edited.jpg" alt="A man in a suit speaks at a podium with a microphone against a clear blue sky, gesturing with his hand." class="wp-image-354223"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Daniel Lurie received support from moderate Republicans, including Jackson, in his successful campaign. </figcaption></figure>

Jackson said he&#8217;s &#8220;fully supportive&#8221; of Lurie&#8217;s efforts and expects &#8220;the Republican Party to be watching closely and advocating for bolder action.&#8221;

Jackson said he's "fully supportive" of Lurie's efforts and expects "the Republican Party to be watching closely and advocating for bolder action."

Jackson said he&#8217;s &#8220;fully supportive&#8221; of Lurie&#8217;s efforts and expects &#8220;the Republican Party to be watching closely and advocating for bolder action.&#8221;

A Noe Valley resident, Jackson taught in China for two years and later founded a popular website, GreatSchools.org. He now works as a private education consultant.

A Noe Valley resident, Jackson taught in China for two years and later founded a popular website, GreatSchools.org. He now works as a private education consultant.

Jackson hasn’t ruled out a run for school board but knows that, in local races, a victory for a Republican is a long shot. He said that in an ideal situation, San Francisco voters might elect to public office a Republican who forms a strong alliance with other parties.

Jackson hasn’t ruled out a run for school board but knows that, in local races, a victory for a Republican is a long shot. He said that in an ideal situation, San Francisco voters might elect to public office a Republican who forms a strong alliance with other parties.

“Maybe your first elected Republican actually comes in coalition with a Democrat or some &#8216;no party preference&#8217; folks,” he said.

“Maybe your first elected Republican actually comes in coalition with a Democrat or some 'no party preference' folks,” he said.

“Maybe your first elected Republican actually comes in coalition with a Democrat or some &#8216;no party preference&#8217; folks,” he said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-a-trump-worshiper">‘Not a Trump worshiper’</h2>

Jackson said he voted for President-elect Donald Trump but emphasized that he’s not far right, and his view of Democrats is that “they&#8217;re wrong&#8221; but are not “evil and want to destroy the country.&#8221;

Jackson said he voted for President-elect Donald Trump but emphasized that he’s not far right, and his view of Democrats is that “they're wrong" but are not “evil and want to destroy the country."

Jackson said he voted for President-elect Donald Trump but emphasized that he’s not far right, and his view of Democrats is that “they&#8217;re wrong&#8221; but are not “evil and want to destroy the country.&#8221;

He rejected the &#8220;moderate&#8221; and &#8220;centrist&#8221; labels, describing himself as a &#8220;principled conservative.&#8221; In practice, that means he supported Trump’s policies but condemned the Jan. 6 insurrection.

He rejected the "moderate" and "centrist" labels, describing himself as a "principled conservative." In practice, that means he supported Trump’s policies but condemned the Jan. 6 insurrection.

He rejected the &#8220;moderate&#8221; and &#8220;centrist&#8221; labels, describing himself as a &#8220;principled conservative.&#8221; In practice, that means he supported Trump’s policies but condemned the Jan. 6 insurrection.

&#8220;I&#8217;m not a Trump worshiper,&#8221; Jackson stated. &#8220;We should be willing to say that [Jan. 6] wasn&#8217;t a good day. We made some mistakes. We won&#8217;t do it again. American people, you can trust us to safeguard the institutions of democracy and move on.&#8221;

"I'm not a Trump worshiper," Jackson stated. "We should be willing to say that [Jan. 6] wasn't a good day. We made some mistakes. We won't do it again. American people, you can trust us to safeguard the institutions of democracy and move on."

&#8220;I&#8217;m not a Trump worshiper,&#8221; Jackson stated. &#8220;We should be willing to say that [Jan. 6] wasn&#8217;t a good day. We made some mistakes. We won&#8217;t do it again. American people, you can trust us to safeguard the institutions of democracy and move on.&#8221;

Dozens of supporters — including registered Democrats — attended a Briones Society happy hour event Thursday in Japantown.

Dozens of supporters — including registered Democrats — attended a Briones Society happy hour event Thursday in Japantown.

&#8220;There&#8217;s a sense the Democratic platform isn&#8217;t rooted in reality,&#8221; Arvind Ramesh, a Democrat who works in tech, said at the event. He expressed frustration with his party&#8217;s handling of street safety, cleanliness, and accountability issues, and was glad to find like-minded Republican friends.

"There's a sense the Democratic platform isn't rooted in reality," Arvind Ramesh, a Democrat who works in tech, said at the event. He expressed frustration with his party's handling of street safety, cleanliness, and accountability issues, and was glad to find like-minded Republican friends.

&#8220;There&#8217;s a sense the Democratic platform isn&#8217;t rooted in reality,&#8221; Arvind Ramesh, a Democrat who works in tech, said at the event. He expressed frustration with his party&#8217;s handling of street safety, cleanliness, and accountability issues, and was glad to find like-minded Republican friends.

Ramesh said he&#8217;s reluctant to change his affiliation but hopes to influence the party by voting in primaries and in Democratic County Central Committee races, for example. San Francisco is overwhelmingly liberal, with more than 63% Democratic registration and about 8% Republican.

Ramesh said he's reluctant to change his affiliation but hopes to influence the party by voting in primaries and in Democratic County Central Committee races, for example. San Francisco is overwhelmingly liberal, with more than 63% Democratic registration and about 8% Republican.

Ramesh said he&#8217;s reluctant to change his affiliation but hopes to influence the party by voting in primaries and in Democratic County Central Committee races, for example. San Francisco is overwhelmingly liberal, with more than 63% Democratic registration and about 8% Republican.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-thankless-job">‘The most thankless job’</h2>

For John Dennis, the outgoing San Francisco Republican Party chair, the changing of the guard is bittersweet.&nbsp;

For John Dennis, the outgoing San Francisco Republican Party chair, the changing of the guard is bittersweet.&nbsp;

Chairman John Dennis listens to speakers during a meeting of the San Francisco GOP in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The local Republican Party is set to decide on their mayoral and ballot measure endorsements.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1875" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240904-republicanendorse_aar_16-edited.jpg" alt="A man in a blue suit sits at a desk with a microphone, gavel, and water bottle. A blurred seal of California is visible in the background." class="wp-image-354224"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Dennis, who served as San Francisco Republican Party chair for five years, steps down this month.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240904-republicanendorse_aar_16-edited.jpg" alt="A man in a blue suit sits at a desk with a microphone, gavel, and water bottle. A blurred seal of California is visible in the background." class="wp-image-354224"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Dennis, who served as San Francisco Republican Party chair for five years, steps down this month.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;Being the chairman of the San Francisco Republican Party is probably the most thankless [job]. But it is also rewarding in its own ways,&#8221; he said.

"Being the chairman of the San Francisco Republican Party is probably the most thankless [job]. But it is also rewarding in its own ways," he said.

&#8220;Being the chairman of the San Francisco Republican Party is probably the most thankless [job]. But it is also rewarding in its own ways,&#8221; he said.

Dennis disputed claims that the party has taken a moderate turn, stating that the city&#8217;s GOP leadership has always maintained a moderate and reasonable voice. He said the Briones Society’s image as moderate is just a campaign tactic.

Dennis disputed claims that the party has taken a moderate turn, stating that the city's GOP leadership has always maintained a moderate and reasonable voice. He said the Briones Society’s image as moderate is just a campaign tactic.

Dennis disputed claims that the party has taken a moderate turn, stating that the city&#8217;s GOP leadership has always maintained a moderate and reasonable voice. He said the Briones Society’s image as moderate is just a campaign tactic.

Under Dennis&#8217; leadership, the party saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/15/as-asian-immigrants-turn-right-san-franciscos-republican-party-sees-an-opportunity/">modest growth</a>. A year ago, the city had <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240103155741/https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">35,975 registered Republicans</a>; the <a href="https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">latest data</a> from the SF Department of Elections show a 14% increase to 40,453. During the same period, Democratic registration increased by 4%.

In liberal San Francisco, Asian immigrants are joining the Republican Party in droves

Under Dennis' leadership, the party saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/15/as-asian-immigrants-turn-right-san-franciscos-republican-party-sees-an-opportunity/">modest growth</a>. A year ago, the city had <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240103155741/https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">35,975 registered Republicans</a>; the <a href="https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">latest data</a> from the SF Department of Elections show a 14% increase to 40,453. During the same period, Democratic registration increased by 4%.

Under Dennis&#8217; leadership, the party saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/15/as-asian-immigrants-turn-right-san-franciscos-republican-party-sees-an-opportunity/">modest growth</a>. A year ago, the city had <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240103155741/https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">35,975 registered Republicans</a>; the <a href="https://www.sfelections.org/tools/election_data/registration_by_party.php">latest data</a> from the SF Department of Elections show a 14% increase to 40,453. During the same period, Democratic registration increased by 4%.

&#8220;They&#8217;ve got big shoes to fill,&#8221; Dennis joked. &#8220;You have to write that I&#8217;m laughing when I say this.&#8221;

"They've got big shoes to fill," Dennis joked. "You have to write that I'm laughing when I say this."

&#8220;They&#8217;ve got big shoes to fill,&#8221; Dennis joked. &#8220;You have to write that I&#8217;m laughing when I say this.&#8221;

SF Republican Party elected a new chair. He voted Democrat for mayor

You may have heard about the school closures and fiscal crisis in the San Francisco Unified School District, but an important election that could shape the district’s future has gone largely under the radar this year.

You may have heard about the school closures and fiscal crisis in the San Francisco Unified School District, but an important election that could shape the district’s future has gone largely under the radar this year.

Four seats are up for grabs at the Board of Education, the seven-member governing body overseeing the policies of the K-12 public school district. The top four winners will join the board next January to work with the superintendent to navigate chaos at the district, including closing a nine-figure budget deficit, laying off staff, and restarting the process of closing and consolidating schools after it was put on pause.

Four seats are up for grabs at the Board of Education, the seven-member governing body overseeing the policies of the K-12 public school district. The top four winners will join the board next January to work with the superintendent to navigate chaos at the district, including closing a nine-figure budget deficit, laying off staff, and restarting the process of closing and consolidating schools after it was put on pause.

As of Nov. 18, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray, and education foundation founder John Jersin, and current board president Matt Alexander were projected to win the election.

As of Nov. 18, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray, and education foundation founder John Jersin, and current board president Matt Alexander were projected to win the election.

Board of Education

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-chaos">Timeline of chaos</h2>

Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district&#8217;s financial situation to &#8220;negative&#8221; as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district&#8217;s financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

State warns SF schools: We&#8217;re not going to bail you out of budget armageddon

In San Francisco’s broken school system, even hiring a teacher requires state permission

Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district's financial situation to "negative" as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district's financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

Those elected will inherit massive challenges that came to a head over the summer when state officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/sfusd-budget-crisis-concerns-warning/">issued a serious warning to the district</a>. Due to its worsening budget crisis, the California Department of Education downgraded the district&#8217;s financial situation to &#8220;negative&#8221; as the deficit mounted to $400 million, prompting state intervention in the district&#8217;s financial decisions, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/">reviewing its hiring</a>.

The initial rollout of a school closure announcement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">sent parents into panic mode</a>, with families at smaller schools concerned they would be on the chopping block.

‘Terrified&#8217;: Parents freak out over coming school closures

The initial rollout of a school closure announcement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">sent parents into panic mode</a>, with families at smaller schools concerned they would be on the chopping block.

In August, then-Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi suddenly resigned, citing personal health reasons. Mayor London Breed subsequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">appointed educator Phil Kim to the seat</a>.

Meet the new guy tasked with cleaning up the SF school district&#8217;s mess

In August, then-Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi suddenly resigned, citing personal health reasons. Mayor London Breed subsequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/23/phil-kim-school-board-appointment-sfusd/">appointed educator Phil Kim to the seat</a>.

The turmoil continued in September when then-Superintendent Matt Wayne decided to delay the announcement of the school closure list. Breed then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">sent in a stabilization team</a>, led by City Hall veteran Maria Su, in an effort to rescue the district from collapse.

Breed assembles rescue team to save city&#8217;s troubled public schools

The turmoil continued in September when then-Superintendent Matt Wayne decided to delay the announcement of the school closure list. Breed then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">sent in a stabilization team</a>, led by City Hall veteran Maria Su, in an effort to rescue the district from collapse.

Kids gather during a protest in response to school closures in San Francisco, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. The San Francisco Unified School District announced Tuesday a list of schools that could face closures and eventual mergers.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-harveymilkprotest_0414.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, including children, hold colorful signs advocating to &quot;Save Our School&quot; near the Castro Theatre, with rainbow themes and messages of hope." class="wp-image-320624"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The school closure plan sparked a huge backlash with kids and parents protesting the proposal.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-harveymilkprotest_0414.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people, including children, hold colorful signs advocating to &quot;Save Our School&quot; near the Castro Theatre, with rainbow themes and messages of hope." class="wp-image-320624"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The school closure plan sparked a huge backlash with kids and parents protesting the proposal.</figcaption></figure>

On Oct. 8, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">released the closure list targeting 13 schools</a>, prompting widespread criticism of Wayne for a lack of transparency and input in the process. The backlash grew as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">City Hall leaders</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/harvey-milk-school-closure-sfusd/">parents</a>, and the school board lost trust in him. A week after the list announcement, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/17/superintendent-to-resign-amid-school-closure-chaos/">Wayne was forced to resign</a> and the school board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/18/maria-su-superindendent-sfusd/">appointed Su as the new superintendent</a>.

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

Breed demands that school closure plan be scrapped

&#8216;Save Harvey Milk&#8217;: School named after LGBTQ icon in peril

Superintendent to resign amid school closure chaos

SF picks new public schools chief amid unprecedented crisis

On Oct. 8, the district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">released the closure list targeting 13 schools</a>, prompting widespread criticism of Wayne for a lack of transparency and input in the process. The backlash grew as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">City Hall leaders</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/harvey-milk-school-closure-sfusd/">parents</a>, and the school board lost trust in him. A week after the list announcement, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/17/superintendent-to-resign-amid-school-closure-chaos/">Wayne was forced to resign</a> and the school board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/18/maria-su-superindendent-sfusd/">appointed Su as the new superintendent</a>.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-are-the-candidates">Who are the candidates?</h2>

Of the 11 candidates running, only two have some level of name recognition — Matt Alexander, the current president of the board and the only incumbent running for reelection, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/ann-hsu-enters-school-board-race/">Ann Hsu</a>, a former school board member appointed after the recall of three members in 2022&nbsp;but who later lost reelection.

Controversial school board leader denounced for racist remarks is running for office again

Of the 11 candidates running, only two have some level of name recognition — Matt Alexander, the current president of the board and the only incumbent running for reelection, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/ann-hsu-enters-school-board-race/">Ann Hsu</a>, a former school board member appointed after the recall of three members in 2022&nbsp;but who later lost reelection.

&#8220;I&#8217;m proud that during my time on the board, I&#8217;ve been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids,&#8221; Alexander said in a statement.

"I'm proud that during my time on the board, I've been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids," Alexander said in a statement.

&#8220;I&#8217;m proud that during my time on the board, I&#8217;ve been able to build bridges across political lines to get things done for our kids,&#8221; Alexander said in a statement.

The other <a href="https://voterguide.sfelections.org/candidate-information/candidates-board-education">nine candidates</a> are business executive Min Chang, nonprofit educator Virginia Cheung, engineer and educator Lefteris Eleftheriou, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, education foundation founder John Jersin, college student Maddy Krantz, small business owner Laurance Lem Lee, and attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray.

The other <a href="https://voterguide.sfelections.org/candidate-information/candidates-board-education">nine candidates</a> are business executive Min Chang, nonprofit educator Virginia Cheung, engineer and educator Lefteris Eleftheriou, affordable housing director Parag Gupta, Deputy City Attorney Jaime Huling, education foundation founder John Jersin, college student Maddy Krantz, small business owner Laurance Lem Lee, and attorney and parent organizer Supryia Ray.

The large pool of candidates split the city&#8217;s political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

The large pool of candidates split the city's political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

The large pool of candidates split the city&#8217;s political camps and endorsements, with Alexander and Cheung securing progressive support as moderates rallied behind Ray. Chinese American candidates Lee, Hsu, and Chang are also running more on the moderate side.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-teachers-union-surprise-endorsement-moderate-19506792.php">political fight erupted</a> after Gupta, Huling, and Jersin formed an alliance with Alexander to win the endorsement of the progressive teacher’s union. The SF Guardians group, which led the school board recall, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510l9zdi.xg/d5cf978a">rescinded its endorsement</a> of Jersin and Gupta after their alliance with Alexander, whom they accused of presiding over a <a href="https://sfguardians.substack.com/p/why-we-had-to-rescind-two-endorsements">series of poor decisions</a> that inflamed the crisis at the district.

Earlier this year, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-teachers-union-surprise-endorsement-moderate-19506792.php">political fight erupted</a> after Gupta, Huling, and Jersin formed an alliance with Alexander to win the endorsement of the progressive teacher’s union. The SF Guardians group, which led the school board recall, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510l9zdi.xg/d5cf978a">rescinded its endorsement</a> of Jersin and Gupta after their alliance with Alexander, whom they accused of presiding over a <a href="https://sfguardians.substack.com/p/why-we-had-to-rescind-two-endorsements">series of poor decisions</a> that inflamed the crisis at the district.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents&#8217; trust and no incumbents should be considered.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents' trust and no incumbents should be considered.

Meredith Dodson, director of SF Parent Action, said the current school board has lost parents&#8217; trust and no incumbents should be considered.

&#8220;We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we&#8217;ll see the board get back to the basics.&#8221;

"We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election," she said. "Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we'll see the board get back to the basics."

&#8220;We really need to see a full reset to the Board of Education with this election,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Parents are hoping that with new, strong leaders, we&#8217;ll see the board get back to the basics.&#8221;

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

Patrick Wolff

The $113 million budget deficit now facing the San Francisco Unified School District reflects many years of bad decisions — and bad assumptions. Perhaps the most common one is that all budget cuts hurt kids.

The $113 million budget deficit now facing the San Francisco Unified School District reflects many years of bad decisions — and bad assumptions. Perhaps the most common one is that all budget cuts hurt kids.

Go to any school board meeting, and you&#8217;ll hear: “Keep cuts away from kids.”

Go to any school board meeting, and you'll hear: “Keep cuts away from kids.”

Go to any school board meeting, and you&#8217;ll hear: “Keep cuts away from kids.”

That’s the wrong way to think about it. What matters is not how close the spending is to students, but how effectively the spending improves student outcomes. In some cases, SFUSD can spend less in the classroom while simultaneously improving student outcomes.

That’s the wrong way to think about it. What matters is not how close the spending is to students, but how effectively the spending improves student outcomes. In some cases, SFUSD can spend less in the classroom while simultaneously improving student outcomes.

Consider SFUSD’s <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/DCZ2A4012DEB/$file/Progress%20Monitoring%20Report_%20Goal%202%20-%208th%20Gr%20Math%201.28.25.pdf">lack of progress</a> in one of its <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/our-mission-and-vision#568-goals">three core goals</a>: improving math proficiency among eighth graders. Not only does SFUSD remain significantly off track from its goals, but overall math proficiency among eighth graders has deteriorated in the last few years.&nbsp;

Consider SFUSD’s <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/DCZ2A4012DEB/$file/Progress%20Monitoring%20Report_%20Goal%202%20-%208th%20Gr%20Math%201.28.25.pdf">lack of progress</a> in one of its <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/our-mission-and-vision#568-goals">three core goals</a>: improving math proficiency among eighth graders. Not only does SFUSD remain significantly off track from its goals, but overall math proficiency among eighth graders has deteriorated in the last few years.&nbsp;

During <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/DDCUTR7DA44A/$file/Goal%202%208th%20Grade%20Math%20Progress%20Monitoring%20-%20January%202025.pdf">a January presentation</a> at which SFUSD reported on its lack of progress on improving math proficiency among that age group, several ongoing interventions were described: new curriculum, teacher coaching, and digital tutoring. While these ideas may be sensible, they exemplify what SFUSD does too often: spend money on new things.

During <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/DDCUTR7DA44A/$file/Goal%202%208th%20Grade%20Math%20Progress%20Monitoring%20-%20January%202025.pdf">a January presentation</a> at which SFUSD reported on its lack of progress on improving math proficiency among that age group, several ongoing interventions were described: new curriculum, teacher coaching, and digital tutoring. While these ideas may be sensible, they exemplify what SFUSD does too often: spend money on new things.

Meanwhile, SFUSD is ignoring the most logical way it could improve math proficiency: spending more time on instruction.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, SFUSD is ignoring the most logical way it could improve math proficiency: spending more time on instruction.&nbsp;

The California Department of Education <a href="https://www.shastacoe.org/uploaded/Dept/is/general/Teacher_Section/mgcorstdyinstrctm.pdf">recommends</a> that middle school students receive at least 250-300 minutes per week of mathematics instruction, and at least 30 additional minutes each day for students who need intervention. SFUSD does not meet even this minimum standard.&nbsp;

The California Department of Education <a href="https://www.shastacoe.org/uploaded/Dept/is/general/Teacher_Section/mgcorstdyinstrctm.pdf">recommends</a> that middle school students receive at least 250-300 minutes per week of mathematics instruction, and at least 30 additional minutes each day for students who need intervention. SFUSD does not meet even this minimum standard.&nbsp;

Last year, when SFUSD adopted the policy of <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/D2APJP64985F/$file/Algebra%201%20in%208th%20Grade%20Recommendations_02-13-2024.pdf">making algebra available in eighth grade</a>, it said it would “plan with all middle schools to increase instructional time in core subjects, including math, to at least 205 minutes per week in middle school.” This is unacceptable. SFUSD should commit to providing students in every middle school at least the amount of instructional time the CDE recommends.

Last year, when SFUSD adopted the policy of <a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/D2APJP64985F/$file/Algebra%201%20in%208th%20Grade%20Recommendations_02-13-2024.pdf">making algebra available in eighth grade</a>, it said it would “plan with all middle schools to increase instructional time in core subjects, including math, to at least 205 minutes per week in middle school.” This is unacceptable. SFUSD should commit to providing students in every middle school at least the amount of instructional time the CDE recommends.

It is true that a gain in time for math means a loss for other things. But a budget is where we commit to our priorities. SFUSD should take time and money away from noncore school activities like advisory, physical education, and electives, to provide as much time as kids need to learn math. And SFUSD might even increase its savings if it were simultaneously willing to tolerate larger math class sizes — not desirable, but perhaps necessary given our budget crunch.&nbsp;

It is true that a gain in time for math means a loss for other things. But a budget is where we commit to our priorities. SFUSD should take time and money away from noncore school activities like advisory, physical education, and electives, to provide as much time as kids need to learn math. And SFUSD might even increase its savings if it were simultaneously willing to tolerate larger math class sizes — not desirable, but perhaps necessary given our budget crunch.&nbsp;

Amid Trump’s threats, this SF school for immigrant kids feels on edge

SF Republican Party elected a new chair. He voted Democrat for mayor

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

Opinion: Some education cuts can actually help kids. SFUSD should make them.

Illegal fireworks are traumatizing SF’s children, pets and autistic residents: report

Search Results for: education

Amid Trump’s threats, this SF school for immigrant kids feels on edge

SF Republican Party elected a new chair. He voted Democrat for mayor

SF school district is in chaos. Here are the 11 candidates vying to clean up the mess

Opinion: Some education cuts can actually help kids. SFUSD should make them.

Illegal fireworks are traumatizing SF’s children, pets and autistic residents: report