Malcolm X Academy community urges board to reverse separation of long‑time senior clerk

Dozens of teachers, parents and students from Malcolm X Academy told the San Francisco Board of Education on Tuesday that a separation notice for senior clerk April Smith Harrison would harm a school already undergoing leadership turnover.

"She is the glue that holds Malcolm X Academy together," said Sandra Smith Francis, a grandmother, describing Harrison as irreplaceable for families and staff. Harrison told the board she received a separation letter after nearly 19 years with the district and said she missed an exam she believes she can pass if allowed to retake it.

Speakers emphasized Harrison’s role in enrollment, attendance and family outreach, and described petitions and community mobilization seeking to keep her on staff. "It would be just a great injustice to the students at Malcolm X Academy," said Kia Beasley, a parent.

District staff and the board did not make an immediate personnel ruling in open session. Several speakers asked the board to consider options such as allowing a make‑up exam or pursuing administrative remedies to retain Harrison. "We have to find a way to keep her — by any means necessary," said Mark Anthony Robinson, a Malcolm X staff member who said the community had gathered hundreds of signatures.

Superintendent Vincent Matthews acknowledged hearing the community's concerns and said staff would look into the matter. The board noted the comments will be followed up by staff as appropriate and that personnel matters might require closed‑session discussion.

The public testimony highlighted broader anxieties at Malcolm X about leadership turnover and loss of institutional knowledge; several speakers warned families might withdraw their children if Harrison is not retained or if continuity is not restored. The board did not announce a next procedural step during the public comment period.