SFUSD board removes driver's education as a graduation requirement

The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to remove driver's education as a district graduation requirement, a change coauthored by student delegates Nestor Reyes and Jason Hsu.

Superintendent Carlos Garcia told the board the district faces severe fiscal constraints but supported reconsidering the requirement, saying the district has "about a $3,013,000,000 dollar hole" that affects program choices and staffing. The resolution, which passed after committee review, makes driver's education available as an elective rather than a mandatory component of graduation.

Board discussion focused on equity and access. Commissioner (Wins) said she did not want to require driver's education to be available in every school without a plan, noting "we need a plan" to make sure students who need or want the course have access. Members discussed online offerings and other ways to provide equitable access; Superintendent Garcia said staff would report back with recommendations on availability and demand.

Student delegates framed the resolution as a budget and environmental issue. Delegate Jason Hsu said the change would "give our school sites more flexibility with their budget," and argued it could also support citywide transit goals by encouraging public transportation.

Board members asked staff to prepare clear guidance on where and how the elective would be offered and to report back with implementation details including how to accommodate students who previously relied on the course. The board added, by consensus, language making the resolution effective upon passage and approved the measure by roll call.

The board meeting record shows the resolution was discussed in both the Rules and Curriculum committees before full board adoption; the board directed staff to return with a plan on course availability and equity considerations.