Parents and educators in San Francisco are raising urgent concerns about staffing shortages in schools, particularly in special education classrooms. During a recent public meeting, several parents voiced their frustrations over inadequate staffing levels, which they argue compromise the safety and learning opportunities for vulnerable students.

Melissa, a parent of a fourth grader in a special day class at Groton Elementary, highlighted the dire situation, stating that the lack of paraprofessional staff has forced her to keep her child at home on some days. "You are failing our students," she asserted, calling for the hiring of necessary staff and competitive wages to improve retention.

Venus, another parent, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the inclusion of home-based ABA therapists in schools to support students in the absence of adequate staff. The urgency of these requests reflects a broader staffing crisis affecting multiple schools in the district.

Christina, a parent with children at AP Giannini Middle School, described the staffing emergency as "even more dire" than at Groton Elementary, noting that the school operates with only two-thirds of the required paraprofessionals. She emphasized that without sufficient support, students are merely "surviving the day" rather than engaging in meaningful learning.

The meeting also featured Magdalena de Guzman, a long-time educator, who spoke passionately about the importance of expanding bilingual programs in the district, emphasizing the rich diversity of students and the need for inclusive educational opportunities.

As the meeting concluded, parents and educators called for immediate action from school officials to address these staffing shortages. They urged the district to prioritize hiring and retention strategies to ensure that all students, especially those with special needs, receive the education and support they deserve. The discussions underscore a critical moment for the San Francisco Unified School District as it navigates these pressing challenges.