The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on crisis communications and safety protocols within the district. The discussion began with an overview of the district's approach to crisis communication during school incidents, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate information dissemination based on the severity of each event. The SFUSD has categorized incidents into three levels, adjusting their notification response accordingly. Detailed thresholds for communication can be found on the district's public website under the "Student Safety and Parent Notification" section.

A significant concern raised was the impact of third-party apps and social media, which often report incidents in real-time, leading to students and families receiving information before the school can respond. This can result in confusion and frustration, especially when the information shared is incorrect. The district acknowledged the importance of confirming details before communicating with the community to avoid spreading disinformation that could hinder emergency response efforts.

The meeting also highlighted the SFUSD's collaboration with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). The district's liaison meets weekly with SFPD representatives to share information and refine emergency protocols. This partnership aims to ensure effective communication and coordinated responses during incidents, while also protecting student rights and addressing community needs.

Safety planning and readiness were key topics, with the district outlining its comprehensive crisis plan and individual school safety measures. Regular audits of safety plans and drills are conducted to maintain preparedness. The lockdown protocol was discussed, clarifying that such measures are implemented only when a credible threat is identified, based on guidelines from law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.

The definition of an active shooter was provided, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents. The district recognized the voices of students advocating for school safety and confirmed that protocols were followed during a recent incident at Washington School, where it was determined that there was no active threat, thus no lockdown was initiated.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further discussion, underscoring the district's commitment to maintaining safety and clear communication with families and staff. Overall, the SFUSD aims to enhance its crisis communication strategies and ensure the safety of its students through ongoing collaboration and preparedness efforts.