During a recent meeting of the San Francisco Board of Education, members expressed strong support for ratifying labor agreements while raising concerns about the district's financial future. Commissioner Lam emphasized the importance of these agreements but cautioned that the district must prepare for significant fiscal challenges ahead, particularly in the 2025-2026 school year.
Commissioner Motley echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for transparency in budgeting and the importance of aligning expenditures with student outcomes. She noted that while the district has made strides in leadership and competency, there are still pressing questions regarding the allocation of resources and the potential for negative certification in the near future.
Both commissioners acknowledged the hard work of staff in presenting the necessary financial data but called for improved visibility into educational services and a more proactive approach to monitoring resource allocation. They stressed the importance of having budgets available for review well in advance to ensure informed decision-making.
As the board moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that financial planning aligns with the district's goals of enhancing literacy, math skills, and career readiness for students. The discussions reflect a commitment to not only support labor agreements but also to address the broader fiscal health of the district, ensuring that it can effectively serve its students and educators in the years to come.