Principals, teachers and union reps urge SFUSD not to cut site staff; cite safety and program impacts

Dozens of principals, assistant principals, union leaders and teachers told the San Francisco Board of Education during the meeting’s public‑comment period that a proposed “core” staffing model and impending budget cuts would remove essential site personnel and damage student support, safety and instruction.

Speakers from elementary, middle and high schools described the same themes: assistant principals (APs), counselors, social workers, nurses, reading specialists and library staff are central to meeting the needs of students with disabilities, newcomers, English learners and students experiencing trauma. A common complaint was that central office staff and site leaders were not given sufficient time or transparency to engage in budget decisions. Many speakers urged the board to allow schools to use grant and PTO funds to preserve positions.

Student and staff speakers included Naomi Castillo, a seventh‑grader at Presidio Middle School; Sarah Saldanha, principal at Gene Parker and United Ed Administrators member; Krishna Kasabam, principal at Lafayette Elementary School;…