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Parents and community groups urge board to protect Hilltop program, press for transparent principal searches and better teacher benefits
Summary
Public commenters urged the board to preserve Hilltop High School’s services for pregnant and parenting teens, criticized delays in Lowell principal recruitment, and called for better healthcare and contract terms for teachers and paraprofessionals amid bargaining.
A broad set of public commenters used the April 24 meeting to press the board on multiple community issues.
Hilltop and young families: Derek Tynan, the UBC representative for Hilltop High School, urged the district and city to clarify how they plan to serve pregnant and parenting teens amid budget cuts, warning that reductions in administrative and wraparound support threaten the standalone school model that provides childcare and services. Bob Bennett, CEO of Family Service Agency, described a 20‑year partnership with Hilltop and cited a low second‑birth rate among Hilltop students as evidence of program success.
Lowell principal recruitment: Bonnie Jones, the Lowell PTA president, and Jed Lane, a Lowell parent and site council member, objected to repeated delays in the principal interview process and to perceived last‑minute interim placements, and urged transparent, publicized recruitment that allows school communities to recommend candidates.
Teacher bargaining and benefits: United Educators of San Francisco leaders and members asked the board to take bargaining demands seriously. Speakers asked for arbitration protections for paraprofessionals, improved jury‑duty and bereavement language, a set work year, safer conditions, and increases to the district contribution toward pensions. Teacher Lita Blanc described rising employee healthcare costs—"it will cost me $508 every month…that's over $6,000 next year"—and said modest salary raises are being eaten by benefit increases.
Board response and context: The board acknowledged negotiations and noted it would recess into closed session to discuss bargaining following the meeting. Commissioners and staff flagged the upcoming bargaining schedule and said they were taking the concerns seriously.
The public commentary illustrates the intersection of budget choices, personnel policy and community trust as bargaining continues.
