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Teachers, students and parents urge board to protect classroom positions as budget cuts loom
Summary
Large crowds of students, parents and teachers from George Washington High, Carver and other schools pressed the board to avoid teacher layoffs and program cuts tied to state budget shortfalls, warning that reductions would undermine college‑preparation and school safety.
Hundreds of community members filled public comment at the March 22 San Francisco Board of Education meeting to protest proposed budget cuts and staff consolidations that district staff said could affect course offerings and staffing at several schools.
Representatives from George Washington High School said a proposed reduction of roughly 200 seats and the resulting teacher consolidations (referred to in the meeting as “Budget B”) would eliminate world‑language options and AP courses and reduce supports for high‑need students. “We’ll be a desirable school to an undesirable school,” counselor Jay Kozak said, urging the board to restore capacity for at least 200 more students. Students described the prospect of losing teachers they depend on for guidance and college readiness; one senior said losing classes would jeopardize his family’s hopes for higher education.
Parents and teachers from Carver Elementary and Bret Hart and Bryant elementary schools described large teacher departures under a turnaround/turnaround plan and asked the board for site visits, more transparency and meetings with families. Carver parents reported that up to 80 percent of teachers could leave next year and called for the board to investigate zone leadership decisions.
Multiple speakers asked the board to protect classroom budgets and to prioritize cuts away from direct instruction and student supports. Several commissioners acknowledged the difficult fiscal picture but encouraged use of reserves, federal stimulus funds or city resources where possible and asked staff to return with more detail on proposed seat reductions.
Next steps: Commissioners requested written explanations and follow‑ups from staff on proposed seat reductions and program impacts for affected schools and asked staff to meet with families on site.
