SFUSD board approves $1.9 million plan to target low-performing students at 20 PITCH schools

The San Francisco Unified School District Board on Tuesday approved a district spending plan for the Low-Performing Students Block Grant that will concentrate roughly $1.9 million in one-time funds on 20 PITCH school sites identified by the district.

Chief Financial Officer Rita Matavan described the grant and its eligibility rules: the award targets students identified as low-performing on state English-language arts or math assessments who do not count as recipients of other supplemental LCFF funds. "This block grant is about $1,900,000. It's 1 time to be spent over 2 fiscal years," Matavan said. The allocation is roughly $19.76 per eligible pupil.

Landon Dickey, presenting implementation context, said the funds will support targeted strategies at the 20 PITCH sites previously identified for persistent achievement gaps, particularly for African American students or where achievement gaps are pronounced.

Board members asked about how the plan will be implemented and whether schools will use community-school approaches, which emphasize family and community engagement and a dedicated coordinator. Commissioner Collins urged assurances that the district will prioritize community partnerships and site-based input when schools select strategies. "If schools come to us and say this is what we believe is the best way, then absolutely, we will work with them to get the resources for them," Superintendent Vincent Matthews said.

After discussion, the board approved the proposed expenditure plan in a roll-call vote recorded as six ayes (one member absent). Matavan and district staff said they will return with implementation oversight details and updates as funds are deployed.