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Parents and teachers split over Yick Wo leadership as board takes matter to closed session
Summary
Nine speakers provided a coordinated five‑minute comment before closed session about leadership at Yick Wo (Sarah Van Velser); some urged renewal and retention citing instructional leadership, while others raised transparency and scheduling concerns. The board acknowledged receipt of input and moved the matter to closed session.
A group of parents, teachers and community members addressed the San Francisco Unified School District board in a coordinated five‑minute public comment slot on March 6 to raise concerns and to express support regarding leadership at Yick Wo Elementary.
Masharika Prejean Madison and several parents urged the board to renew or retain principal Sarah Van Velser, saying her instructional leadership and efforts to raise achievement at the school warranted continuity. Teacher Mary Spalding said 12 of 15 full‑time teachers had signed a letter supporting Van Velser’s contract renewal.
Other speakers, including parent Miriam Morin and former SSC member Jenna Welch, described problems they attributed to school leadership: alleged lack of transparency about English learner scheduling, unresolved bullying complaints and reduced enrichment/PE time. Morin said parents had not been notified about program details and questioned how the community could move forward amid deep divisions.
The board confirmed it had received written correspondence and said it would consider the concerns in closed session. After public comment the meeting recessed into closed session on personnel matters; the board later reported multiple contract approvals and notices from the closed session.
