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SFUSD warns of staffing shortfalls; district outlines recruitment and substitute plans
Summary
District leaders told the board they had roughly 50 staff vacancies—concentrated in special education and high schools—and are deploying substitute teachers, hosting hiring events and coordinating with UESF while acknowledging persistent recruitment challenges.
District staff told the board that staffing shortages remain acute heading into the new school year. Chief Mendez reported that the district "has 53 remaining vacancies" and that many of those openings—particularly in special education and high‑school subject areas—have appeared in the two weeks leading up to reopening.
Staff described immediate mitigation steps: recruiting events, active outreach through universities, deployment of substitute teachers and temporary assignments from central office to ensure there is an adult in every classroom on Day 1. Mendez said the district will be transparent with families when a position is covered temporarily and will continue to hire through the first month of school.
Out‑of‑school time (OST) and Excel afterschool programs were also discussed. Chief Meenu said Excel operates in 89 sites and is funded by state/federal grants that reimburse roughly $10 per student per day; such funding priorities target students experiencing homelessness, foster care or low income, but staffing shortages limit the number of slots that can be opened.
The board asked for details on vacancy listings and the district committed to provide an updated list of remaining vacancies and a Friday staffing roundup that details how many openings affect special education and non‑classroom support staff.
Next steps: staff will continue recruitment drives, publish vacancy updates to the board and work with UESF on targeted recruitment strategies for hard‑to‑fill roles.
