Community Advisory Committee praises PAC's efforts in special education and family engagement

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on community engagement and support for families, particularly in the realm of education. The meeting featured several speakers who addressed pressing issues affecting students and their families.

The first speaker, Olga Reyes, expressed concern about her sixth-grade children lacking teachers, which she believes is hindering their academic progress. She emphasized her previous involvement with the School Site Council (SSE) and requested assistance from the organization to improve the situation at her children's school.

Following Reyes, a representative from the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education commended the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for their collaborative efforts and the valuable work they do in educating families. This speaker highlighted the need for continued and expanded support for family engagement networks, particularly as budget discussions align with community priorities.

Another speaker, Josephine, acknowledged the contributions of PAC members and congratulated the formation of the 2 Spirit LGBTQ Path. She also raised concerns about incidents of bullying and violence affecting students in the community, urging the committee to address these issues. Additionally, she called for the inclusion of the Chinese Parent Advisory Council in future district initiatives.

Anna Mahina, chair of the PAC and the Matua Advisory Council, concluded the public comments by praising the efforts of PAC members and their outreach to parents across various advisory alignments.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to enhancing educational support and addressing critical issues such as bullying and the need for adequate staffing in schools. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among parents, advisory committees, and educational organizations to foster a supportive environment for all students.