SFUSD board votes to oppose AB 23, saying the measure undermines local control

The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education on April 14 adopted a resolution opposing AB 23, a state bill introduced by Assemblymember Fiona Ma that would mandate the reintroduction of JROTC in the district.

Commissioners Kim and Mendoza introduced and read the resolution, arguing the measure would force curriculum decisions on a single district and undermine long-standing principles of local control. The resolution’s text states that if AB 23 became law, the San Francisco Unified School District would be the only district mandated by state law to offer JROTC and that such a mandate would set a dangerous precedent for state micromanagement.

Debate among board members was heated and procedural concerns were prominent. Some trustees said the rules committee had previously recommended no official position and warned that taking a stance could create political conflicts with state legislators. Others said the full board should have the chance to register its position on a sensitive and potentially precedent-setting bill. The superintendent urged the board to oppose the bill as an unfunded mandate and a threat to local control.

Public commenters expressed mixed views; some urged the board to take a stand, others criticized the timing and tactics of introducing the resolution at a special meeting. After discussion, a roll-call vote recorded six ayes and one no (Ms. Winns), and the resolution was adopted.

Next steps: The board’s adopted position may be used by the superintendent and the district’s advocates to testify or submit comments in Sacramento as AB 23 moves through committee.