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Teachers and union leaders urge SFUSD to return nurse to Galileo High amid claims of retaliation
Summary
More than a dozen Galileo High School teachers, parents and union representatives urged the SFUSD Board to reinstate school nurse Susan Kitchell, saying her transfer harmed student health and was retaliatory in response to union activity; Nurse Kitchell, colleagues and UESF representatives asked the board to direct her return or ensure continuity of care.
A large group of public speakers pressed the San Francisco Unified School District board to reverse the reassignment of school nurse Susan Kitchell from Galileo High School, calling the transfer retaliatory and harmful to student health and safety.
Teachers, former students and union officials described Kitchell as a "trusted adult" and a longstanding advocate who "goes above and beyond" her duties. Jackie Peters, a Galileo teacher, said the transfer was "entirely political" and urged the board to "rescind the transfer of our school nurse, Susan Kitchell, and bring her back home to Galileo." Several speakers said Galileo currently lacked a full-time nurse and stressed consequences for medically dependent students.
United Educators of San Francisco and SEIU representatives also addressed the board. Lehi DeBlanc, president of UESF, expressed solidarity with Kitchell and framed the transfer as a likely response to her union activity. UESF's executive vice president urged the board to consider stability in staffing and recommended restoring the nurse's schedule.
Nurse Kitchell spoke in her own defense, noting nearly 21 years of service in SFUSD and expressing concern that her transfer related to her role as a union building representative: "Please direct my return to Galileo," she said. Speakers emphasized that removing a high-performing nurse undermines efforts to stabilize school staffing and support student needs.
Board members acknowledged the depth of public concern; the superintendent and staff said they had been working to address staffing and transition needs at Galileo and had deployed interim supports. Board members and staff agreed to continue monitoring the situation, though transcripted remarks did not record a formal board vote to reinstate Kitchell during the meeting.
