Students, teachers and parents urge San Francisco school board to rescind staffing cuts; superintendent outlines adjustments and next steps

Dozens of students, teachers and parents told the San Francisco Board of Education on Tuesday that proposed budget changes and a revised staffing allocation threaten electives, newcomer programs and support staff at multiple middle schools. The board heard repeated appeals to preserve assistant principals, counselors, security staff and elective teachers — and to avoid forcing newcomers to transfer across the city.

"When I first heard about the budget cuts, I was sad," said Amelia Cook, a seventh grader at James Denman Middle School, one of many students who spoke during the public‑comment hour about the consequences of the district's proposed staffing model. Students described larger classes, the loss of electives such as band and art, and the loss of coaches who run school teams.

The testimony came amid a wider community pushback that included teachers and union leaders. Cassandra Curiel, president of United Educators of San Francisco, said bargaining is stalled and warned a lack of progress will hurt…