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Students, parents and teachers urge board to spare counselors, reading teachers and Peer Resources as budget cuts loom
Summary
More than 100 in‑person speakers criticized proposed layoffs and program cuts, with students and parents urging preservation of reading intervention teachers, counselors, Peer Resources and site‑funded class‑size reductions.
Dozens of students, parents and teachers filled the Board of Education chamber and the public comment queue to press the board to protect school staff and programs targeted for reduction in SFUSDs fiscal stabilization planning.
Students from elementary through high school described the impact of potential cuts to reading intervention teachers, counselors, nurses, school social workers and electives. Several young speakers from Dr. William L. Cobb Elementary and McKinley Elementary asked the board not to remove reading teachers who provide interventions that have demonstrably improved studentsreading levels.
Peer Resources and other elective programs at Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln schools drew multiple supporters. Students and program staff argued that Peer Resources provides mentorship, violence prevention mediation, and supports for immigrant and LGBTQ+ students and asked the board to continue site funding for the course.
Parent groups and PTA representatives also urged the board to allow schools to continue using local PTA funds to preserve site‑based positions that reduce class size, a practice parents said is essential in some schools where district funding is insufficient.
Nut graf: Public testimony repeatedly emphasized that cuts will hit the most vulnerable students — including newcomers, English learners and students who rely on counselors and intervention teachers — and called on the board to minimize student‑facing reductions as the district implements its fiscal plan.
What speakers asked for Speakers urged the board to rescind layoff notices where SERP participation allows, preserve reading intervention teachers and counselors, protect Peer Resources and other electives, and keep PTA‑funded class‑size reductions in place.
Board response The board acknowledged the comments and the large number of public speakers; President Kim and the superintendent said staff would continue to seek ways to minimize harm to student supports while implementing necessary budget actions.
Ending Public commenters left the meeting with a reminder from board leadership that emails and written testimony will continue to be considered as the district completes budget decisions; parents and students said they will return to future meetings and monitoring briefings.
