SFUSD board authorizes preliminary layoff notices as district seeks to close $114 million gap

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced plans at a board meeting to issue preliminary layoff notices to certificated and classified employees as part of steps to close an estimated $114,000,000 budget shortfall.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Hsu presented the district—s budget balancing framework and timeline, saying constrained revenues from falling enrollment and the end of one-time COVID relief funds have left the district “spending more than we—re making.” Meli Lau Smith, executive director for special initiatives and budget, described how site budgets combine unrestricted and restricted funding sources and said principals received preliminary school budgets last week.

The board also heard a separate presentation from Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Amy Baer on the personnel actions staff will pursue if the board proceeds. Baer said the district intends to issue up to 395 preliminary notices to certificated staff, including 280 positions currently funded from discretionary or restricted sources whose future funding is not yet finalized. The staff recommendation also includes preliminary notices affecting…