Students and community urge SFUSD to adopt a school safety plan and preserve newcomer programs

Students and parents at the March 24 board meeting repeatedly urged the district and superintendent to create a school safety plan that protects immigrant students from immigration enforcement and to preserve newcomer programs, saying fear of enforcement is undermining attendance and learning. Rafael (student) told the board: "We are here because every student deserves to learn in an environment free from the fear of immigration enforcement."

Multiple speakers said they had gathered thousands of postcards and requested a formal meeting with district leaders. Angelica Cabani, director of SamCAN, noted district resolutions on immigrant student protections but said implementation and communications have been inadequate: "For 19 years to date, there has been little to no clear communications to families and staff about how these policies are being implemented in practice," she said. Speakers asked the board to meet with youth group Johanna and deliver a district policy and implementation plan for school safety.

Families also warned that changes to enrollment practices and proposed budget cuts threaten newcomer programs at Mission Education Center and San Francisco International High School, which speakers called nationally recognized models. Parent and teacher speakers asked the board to prioritize funding and to ensure parents are informed about newcomer options at enrollment. The board did not take action on these requests during the meeting; staff noted the superintendent's office and appropriate departments will follow up with the public, per board rules for public comment.