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SFUSD authorizes notices for up to roughly 500 certificated layoffs amid projected $40 million shortfall
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District board voted Feb. 26 to authorize notices to certificated employees as the district plans for a potential $40 million budget shortfall, a move staff said could involve roughly 500 notices and is intended to preserve fiscal solvency while seeking rainy‑day and Prop 98 support.
The San Francisco Unified School District board on Feb. 26 voted to authorize staff to issue notices under education code procedures as the district prepares for a possible $40,000,000 funding shortfall next year.
Superintendent Garcia told the board that the action — which staff framed as a planning step, not an immediate termination — is intended to preserve the district’s fiscal solvency and buy time for negotiations with the city and state. "These notices should not at no time be deemed as a reflection of the outstanding work of our employees, but rather a necessity to meet our obligation of developing a balanced budget," Garcia said.
Legal and personnel staff presented a resolution titled "Resolution to Decrease the Number of Certificated Employees Due to a Reduction in Particular Kinds of Services," which cites Education Code sections 44949 and 44955 and sets procedures for issuing notices by the March 15 deadline. Staff said the resolution would give the superintendent flexibility to adjust instructional programs and staffing levels if revenue declines materialize.
Dennis Kelly, president of United Educators San Francisco, urged the board to resist layoffs and mobilize to Sacramento, calling the step "devastating" and warning of long‑term harm to morale. "The damage will be done here and the message must be sent to Sacramento," Kelly said.
Board members described the vote as painful but necessary under the current state budget scenario. Commissioner Yee said the action was difficult but expressed support for steps to manage the district’s finances. Several commissioners urged aggressive local advocacy to secure rainy‑day funds and protection for Proposition 98 funding.
The board took the action by roll call; staff recorded seven affirmative votes on the motions authorizing the notices. The resolution directs the superintendent to send notice of recommendations not to reemploy in accordance with Education Code procedures if cuts are required, while noting that notices can be rescinded if funding is later restored.
Next steps staff outlined include continuing to seek the maximum release of city rainy‑day funds and pursuing other local revenue to reduce the number of employees actually laid off. The board and staff said they will return with follow‑up reports on planning alternatives, demographic impacts, and potential rescissions if revenue changes.
Outcome: resolution approved; notices authorized and to be issued to meet legal timelines.
