Teachers advocate for increased funding for City College of San Francisco

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted urgent calls for increased funding for City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and a shift in budget priorities towards community support. Several speakers, including educators and community advocates, emphasized the critical need for resources to support marginalized communities, particularly Black, brown, and immigrant populations.

Lori Ade Mokum, an ESL instructor at CCSF, urged the Board of Supervisors to provide both short and long-term funding for the college, stressing its importance in offering educational and vocational training that benefits the entire city. She pointed out that the current funding situation threatens accessibility and diversity, framing it as a social justice issue that must be addressed to support students and the broader community.

Elena Hillard, a teacher at Mission High School, echoed these sentiments, advocating for funding parity between City College and K-12 schools. She highlighted the significance of programs like the Fire Science and EMS Pathway Program, which allows students to pursue careers in local city agencies, thereby contributing to the community.

In a contrasting perspective, Regina Eslav called for a reduction in funding for the San Francisco Police Department, proposing that those funds be redirected to community services and initiatives like CART San Francisco. She argued that healthcare professionals have consistently opposed increasing law enforcement budgets, advocating instead for a focus on community needs and rent relief.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the staff and public participants, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to address these pressing issues. The discussions reflect a growing demand for a reallocation of city resources to better serve the educational and social needs of San Francisco's diverse communities.