Parents, APAC and advisory groups press SFUSD for suspension data, transparency and accountability

The African American Parent Advisory Council (APAC) presented a district report, ‘‘Black Resilience and Accountability,’’ during the San Francisco Board of Education’s Oct. 26 meeting. APAC leaders described recent activities — leadership retreats, affinity space support, resource distribution and receipt of Dreamkeeper funding — and laid out policy requests for increased transparency, regular reporting, and investments to reduce disparities affecting Black students.

APAC’s presentation framed priorities for 2021–22: strengthening family leadership, expanding site‑based affinity spaces, hiring a family/culture liaison to support APAC in focal schools, and pushing for consistent implementation of district strategies aimed at reducing disproportionality (including special‑education categorization and suspensions).

Public comment that followed was heavily focused on suspensions and equity. Multiple callers — parents, teachers and community advisory members — urged the board to release suspension data and pressed for consistent implementation of restorative practices and social‑emotional supports. ‘‘Where’s the suspension data?’’ asked one caller, noting that without data the district cannot be held accountable.

Superintendent Dr. Matthews responded that the district ‘‘has not run that report as a district yet’’ and pledged to come back with a formal report on suspensions and the district’s work on the issue. Commissioners noted past board resolutions (including those adopted in response to George Floyd’s murder) that called for investments in community schools, restorative practices and training; several asked staff whether those prior commitments had been implemented and what barriers remain.

Why it matters

Speakers connected suspension data to equity and long‑term student outcomes: advocates argued that suspensions disproportionately affect Black students and that consistent data and transparency are necessary to judge whether district interventions are working. APAC leaders also requested clearer two‑way communications, tracking of recommendations, and greater inclusion in district planning and superintendent hiring processes.

Provenance

APAC presentation, testimony, and commissioner questions are recorded in the meeting transcript during the APAC agenda item and public comment (SEG 632–SEG 1030 and SEG 1038–SEG 1816). Dr. Matthews’ comment that the report has not been run appears in SEG 1809–SEG 1815.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased: Leticia Irving (APAC), APAC leaders, multiple public commenters, Dr. Matthews.