SFUSD superintendent: Prop 30 stabilizes funding but 'there is no extra money'

Superintendent Ramon Carranza told the San Francisco Unified School District Board on Monday that Proposition 30’s passage provides short-term funding stability but does not create extra district revenue. “Let me be clear, ladies and gentlemen. There is no extra money as a result of prop 30,” Carranza said during his opening report.

Carranza thanked voters for the measure and said San Francisco approved it by an “overwhelming margin,” but reiterated that the district remains underfunded by about 22 percent. He framed recent investments — balanced literacy, additional PE teachers, and technology purchases funded through school improvement grants — as efforts to support a “whole child” approach rather than narrow, test-focused instruction.

On assessments, Carranza said the district implemented common learning assessments (CLAs) in math and English language arts and that individualized CLA reports will be sent to parents in English, Spanish and Chinese within weeks. He said CLAs are intended to provide “real time information and data to continually support your child’s academic growth.”

Board members asked for follow-up on several budget topics discussed at committee meetings, including the mandated cost block grant and planning for possible federal cuts. Vice President Norton and others also requested more information about textbook availability and the fiscal outlook for next year; district staff said audits and additional reporting will continue.

The board’s budget and committee reports noted Prop 30 avoids midyear cuts for 2012–13 but does not prevent reductions in subsequent years. The superintendent urged continued advocacy and community engagement as the district sets priorities for adjustments and supplemental city funding discussions.