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Supervisors press DCYF, mayor on $35M student success funds and school closure transparency
Summary
Board members pressed Department of Children, Youth and Families officials and the mayor on Sept. 24 over how $35M in student success funds will be allocated, asking for safeguards so money reaches schools and students most in need amid uncertainty about planned SFUSD closures.
Board members on Sept. 24 pressed city officials to explain how $35 million in the city’s Student Success Fund will be allocated and protected while the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) considers school closures.
Supervisor Walton and others asked DCYF and mayoral staff why $26.5 million appears allocated now while roughly $8 million remains labeled for technical assistance, and whether decisions to release funds should wait until the district publishes a closure or consolidation list. Director Maria Hsu (DCYF) said 58 schools have been selected to receive funds based on risk and target‑population metrics and that DCYF will retain a portion for technical assistance, data analysis and capacity building. "We believe these dollars need to be released now for the schools," Hsu said, noting the funds will support literacy, math and mental‑health specialists.
Supervisors expressed concern about funds being spent on positions or infrastructure at schools that might later be closed or merged. DCYF staff and the Mayor’s chief of staff described steps to analyze transitions, ensure funds follow students, and require community‑school planning and performance measures. Supervisor Ronan and others said they had already inserted stronger performance reporting language in contracts and that the Budget and Legislative Analyst will monitor outcomes.
Why it matters: Supervisors warned that rushing allocations without clear lists of closures could waste resources if schools close, while DCYF argued some supports (reading and math specialists, mental‑health staff) are needed immediately. The board deferred a final action on the item until DCYF representatives could answer questions; DCYF and the mayor announced a stabilization team to assist SFUSD with fiscal and operational support the same day.
Next steps: The mayor and DCYF committed to report back with additional details and to work with the board and budget analysts on performance measures and oversight. Supervisors signaled they would continue scrutiny and hold a special hearing to probe allocations.
Attribution: Quotes and details above are drawn from the Sept. 24 Board meeting exchange among supervisors Walton, Ronan and DCYF Director Maria Hsu.
