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SFUSD accepts state latch‑key funds after YMCA parents voice concern about notice
Summary
The board accepted California Department of Education latch‑key funds to support before- and after‑school slots; YMCA parents testified they received last‑minute notices and worried about losing childcare, and staff said the district has an award letter but not a final CDE contract and does not plan to cut services.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board voted on Aug. 22 to accept California Department of Education latch‑key funds intended to support before- and after-school programs, after parents and YMCA staff described last-minute notices that left families unsure about childcare for the start of school.
Several parents and Mission YMCA staff members told the board they had been told in the preceding days that funding changes could interrupt services for more than 60 families and that many low-income and limited-English-speaking parents had less than a week to find alternatives. Theresa Rowe, Mission YMCA childcare program director, said cutting SB 303 funding would affect the families she serves and urged the board to keep services in place.
Associate Superintendent Trish Baskin told the board the district had an award letter from the California Department of Education but had not yet received the final contract. She said staff had moved to secure the grant and had asked school health programs to prepare the application and contract to avoid losing slots. Baskin said the district has not instructed the YMCA to stop services and that acceptance of the award would help preserve slots once the contract is finalized.
Board members asked staff to meet immediately with YMCA leaders and families to resolve confusion and requested district staff contact CDE to expedite the contract and allay parents’ fears. The board then approved the item by roll call.
The board directed staff to explore short-term accommodation for children if any temporary service interruptions occur and to return with written clarification on contract status and implementation.
