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SF Board Approves Ethnic Studies Pilot After Hours of Student, Community Testimony
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District board voted unanimously Feb. 23 to pilot an ethnic studies program in high schools, approving 10 total sections in 2010–11 with funding language that shares teacher costs between site and central budgets and seeks restricted funds and a San Francisco State partnership.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously Feb. 23 to approve a resolution establishing a pilot ethnic studies program in high schools and directing staff to incorporate funding and implementation details into the district budget process.
The resolution calls for a pilot of 10 total sections across participating high schools in the 2010–11 school year, with teacher full‑time equivalents shared between site budgets and the district’s central office. The board and staff added amended language asking that, to the greatest extent possible, supervision and professional development be funded using restricted federal or other professional‑development funds. San Francisco State University offered an in‑kind partnership to provide up to six units of college credit for students who complete the course.
Supporters from across the city — including students, parents, teachers and community groups — packed the board chamber and testified in favor of the measure. Juana Tayo, representing the Campaign for Ethnic Studies and POWER, said the coalition had gathered more than 2,000 petition signatures and urged the board to make the curriculum a meaningful part of students’ education. Student speakers described ethnic studies as a classroom that increased engagement, leadership and connection to community; many argued it could reduce truancy and improve graduation rates.
The board discussed technical issues with the University of California articulation system during the meeting. Mia Hayes, a UC representative, said a course can meet UC’s A–G requirements if it includes an appropriate prerequisite or co‑requisite and that the statewide submission cycle runs through Sept. 19; staff said they would work with schools and UC on course design and submission.
Board members emphasized the resolution is a pilot and that further expansion would be contingent on securing funding and completing required approvals. The board asked staff to return with budget details as part of the district’s budget development process and to pursue partnerships and UC articulation so the course can count for college preparation where possible.
The vote concluded a nearly four‑hour block of testimony and discussion; the resolution passed with no dissenting votes. The board directed staff to refine implementation steps and funding sources and to report back as part of upcoming budget and curriculum review sessions.
