San Francisco school board approves city loan of Maria Sue as interim superintendent, waives credential
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Summary
The San Francisco Board of Education approved a city–district agreement to loan Maria Sue as interim superintendent, granted a credential waiver under Education Code §35029, and confirmed a deputy superintendent contract after hours of public comment and board debate.
The San Francisco Board of Education on a 6–vote margin approved an agreement with the City and County of San Francisco to loan city employee Maria Sue to the district as interim superintendent, granted a credential waiver under Education Code §35029 to allow her to serve without a teaching credential, and confirmed the contract for District Executive Deputy Superintendent Dr. Carling Aguilera Ford.
Board members framed the action as a response to immediate operational and fiscal instability. “We are in a crisis situation, and it requires swift action,” President Alexander said during the debate, arguing the loaned city executive brings systems and operational experience the district lacks. General Counsel Brown described the mechanics of the agreement, saying the appointee “will be taking leave from her employment in the city … she will be loaned by the city to San Francisco Unified and she will be working for San Francisco Unified,” and that the contract places the superintendent under the direction of the Board.
Board members also explained the contract term and exit options. The agreement as read into the record runs through June 30, 2026, but contains mutual-notice provisions allowing either party to end the arrangement before that date. Counsel told the board there is no separate buyout provision because the district will not hold an employment contract with Maria Sue while the city is loaning her services.
Opponents in the public comment period urged the board to reject the appointment and waiver. Brandy Markman, a parent and organizer, called the hire “the epitome of cronyism,” saying the mayor’s allies had been favored for contracts and grant awards. Multiple callers said waiving credential requirements for a superintendent two weeks before an election created an appearance of favoritism; others called for a wider search and more community input.
The board voted on the four related items together. Item E1 (the city–district agreement) passed 6–yes, student delegate Montgomery and student delegate Lam voted no. Item E2 (resolution appointing Maria Sue) passed 6–yes; item E3 (credential waiver pursuant to Education Code §35029) passed 6–yes; and item E4 (contract for Dr. Carling Aguilera Ford as deputy superintendent) passed 6–yes. The deputy superintendent contract disclosed a salary of $320,000 per year and a term running through June 30, 2026.
Board supporters said the dual leadership model — an operational executive from the city alongside an experienced SFUSD educator as deputy superintendent — would address payroll, budget and special-education systems problems. Vice President Wiseman Ward described the arrangement as a “dynamic duo” intended to pair operational and educational expertise. Critics said the board moved too quickly and demanded ongoing transparency and community engagement as conditions for their support.
The board concluded its votes and adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The administration and board said they will implement oversight and reporting to monitor the contract and the superintendent’s performance.
