Parents urge SFUSD to prioritize student safety amid Asian attacks and school changes

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted pressing concerns from parents regarding the return to in-person learning and recent changes to school schedules.

Anthea Ho, a parent and member of the Chinese Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC), addressed the board about the safety of students as schools reopen. She emphasized the need for increased Chinese parent participation in decision-making processes and raised concerns about the recent rise in anti-Asian violence. Ho urged the district to consider implementing school bus services to ensure safe transportation for students, particularly for families facing challenges, such as those with parents unable to drive.

Merit, a parent of a rising second grader, voiced support for the concerns raised by other parents and teachers but expressed discontent with the board's involvement in political matters unrelated to education. He highlighted the emotional toll of the ongoing Middle East crisis and questioned the appropriateness of the teachers' union taking a stance on such complex issues.

Maite Figueroa, the outgoing PTA president at JCera, expressed frustration over a sudden change in school start times, which she argued would disproportionately affect low-income families and communities of color. She criticized the lack of consultation with families before implementing such changes, calling it detrimental to the community's well-being.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the SFUSD to address safety concerns and consider the diverse needs of families as they navigate the challenges of returning to in-person learning. The discussions reflect a broader call for inclusive decision-making that prioritizes the welfare of all students and their families.