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Latinx Community Council urges district to invest in literacy, newcomer and bilingual special‑education supports
Summary
The Latinx Community Council presented a report to the San Francisco Board of Education calling for dedicated funding, expanded bilingual special‑education staffing and research‑based literacy programs for Latinx and newcomer students. Board members and the superintendent discussed next steps and timing for district follow‑up.
The Latinx Community Council, a parent‑led advisory group that represents Latinx families across San Francisco Unified, presented a set of recommendations to the San Francisco Board of Education on Tuesday, urging targeted investments in research‑based reading programs, stronger newcomer‑student supports and more bilingual special‑education staffing.
The council’s president, Blanca Catalan, said the district must “invest in research and database resources that support Latinx students’ reading,” and recommended reviewing the cost and impact of existing literacy programs such as Springboard and phonics curricula while expanding tutoring and family‑engagement components.
Danielle Utley, enrollment center manager who staffed the council, told the board the LCC relaunched in 2024 after the 2019 Latinx resolution lacked dedicated resources; the council held 14 meetings in 2024–25 and convened a family day at Mission High School that drew more than 75 families and 13 community organizations.
Noelia Salvay, a parent and LCC member, described language‑access failures in district special‑education interactions and asked the district to “expand access to specialized educators with Spanish language skills and expertise in special education.” Anna Aviles, DELAC chair, echoed that call and asked the board to prioritize recruitment and retention of credentialed bilingual teachers and vetted substitutes.
Superintendent Dr. Hsu thanked the council and said the district is assembling plans to expand effective literacy strategies and to deepen partnerships with city agencies and foundations. She described ongoing conversations with higher‑education partners and said the district will work with the council and community groups to turn the recommendations into concrete, funded steps. She also said a deputy superintendent of educational services search is under way and that new leadership will help shape a longer‑term strategy.
Board members pressed for specifics and timelines. Commissioner Alexander asked when a strategy tied to the board’s vision, values, goals and guardrails would be available; Dr. Hsu said senior leadership hires and subsequent planning work will determine timing. Vice President Huling and other commissioners asked for clearer monitoring measures and for the council to be included in ongoing goal‑monitoring discussions.
The council also asked the district to increase its staffing allocation for the council itself; council members said the current dedicated staff time (about 8–10 hours a month) is insufficient for a newly relaunched body serving the district’s largest student group.
The board took no formal action at the meeting but asked staff to return with more detailed responses and with proposals to align investments in literacy, newcomer services and bilingual special‑education staffing with the district’s short‑term metrics and guardrails.
The council left the board with a schedule of follow‑up items and a request for clear timelines from staff on when recommendations will be implemented or evaluated.
