San Francisco establishes Students and Families RISE work group for post-pandemic recovery

A new initiative aimed at revitalizing San Francisco's public education system post-pandemic was announced during a recent government meeting. The Students and Families RISE work group, established by local officials, is set to tackle the educational challenges that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This group will focus on creating a comprehensive citywide plan to enhance academic success and enrichment services for students and families within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

The pandemic has significantly impacted students' academic performance, leading many families to seek private schooling or relocate due to the high cost of living in the city. The work group aims to address these pressing issues with three key goals: ensuring that every SFUSD student achieves grade-level proficiency in core subjects, increasing enrollment in SFUSD to counteract family departures, and expanding enrichment programs such as arts, music, sports, and libraries.

Over the next few months, the work group will develop a strategic vision based on successful practices from both local and national contexts. Their focus will be on mitigating the educational losses incurred during distance learning and enhancing community support for families as they recover from the pandemic's effects. The group is expected to present its final recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, the mayor, and SFUSD by August 2021, with plans to implement these strategies in the upcoming academic year.

The work group will consist of 11 voting members, representing a diverse array of stakeholders in San Francisco's education landscape, including educators, parents, youth service providers, and public health professionals. This collaborative effort underscores the city's commitment to rebuilding and strengthening its public education system for the benefit of all students and families.