San Francisco Board of Education honors Ramaytush Ohlone and celebrates Black History Month

The San Francisco Board of Education convened on July 4, 2025, to address several key topics, beginning with a land acknowledgment recognizing the Ramaytush Ohlone as the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of respecting indigenous rights and the historical significance of the land.

In the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matthews delivered a report emphasizing the celebration of Black History Month. He noted that while the month is officially recognized in February, the contributions and histories of African Americans should be honored year-round. Dr. Matthews also announced the upcoming African American Honor Roll event, which recognizes students of African American descent who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative aims to uplift the achievements of these students and address the persistent gaps in educational access and outcomes for African American students within the district.

The meeting also included a health and safety update regarding COVID-19. Dr. Matthews reported a decline in new cases, with the city's vaccination rate at 82%. Vaccination clinics are being established at various school sites to ensure students and staff have access to vaccines and boosters. The district has also implemented weekly testing and provided over 1 million masks to schools, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.

As the state prepares to lift its indoor mask mandate, Dr. Matthews clarified that this change will not apply to K-12 schools, where masking will remain mandatory for students and staff. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to prioritize health and safety in educational settings.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Board's commitment to honoring diversity, promoting health and safety, and addressing educational disparities within the San Francisco Unified School District. The discussions set the stage for continued efforts to support students and foster an inclusive environment in the community.