The San Francisco Board of Education convened on July 4, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding electoral reform and student outcomes. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of board members, followed by public comments focused on the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and proposed changes to the electoral system.

Chris Trudonic, a former Elections Commission appointee, advocated for proportional ranked choice voting (PRCV) as a viable alternative to single-member districts. He emphasized that PRCV is already supported by San Francisco's voting equipment and aligns with the city's experience in ranking candidates. Trudonic urged the board to consider this option to transform a potentially negative change into a positive one.

Steven Hill echoed Trudonic's sentiments, suggesting a compromise involving three districts with three seats each, elected through PRCV. He argued that this approach would be more efficient and cost-effective than pursuing a lawsuit or establishing seven-member districts, which would require extensive public hearings.

Steve Cheson, president of California Humanitarian Reform, also supported negotiations that include PRCV, highlighting its potential to save the school district money and avoid legal disputes. He referenced the California Supreme Court's PECO decision, which mentioned PRCV as a consideration.

In contrast, John Trezevia urged the board not to negotiate with attorney Scott Rafferty, asserting that there is no violation of the CVRA and that the current system has successfully elected diverse representatives. He called for the board to focus on pressing issues such as school safety and budget management instead of engaging in what he described as a misuse of the Voting Rights Act.

Following public comments, the board entered a closed session, where they authorized payments related to a student case and approved the release of 21 probationary certificated employees. The meeting concluded with a transition to a workshop aimed at monitoring student outcomes and discussing necessary updates to improve educational effectiveness.

The discussions during this meeting reflect ongoing tensions regarding electoral reform in San Francisco, with significant implications for the governance of local educational institutions and the representation of diverse communities. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining how they navigate these complex issues while focusing on student success.