San Francisco School Board Approves MOU for Focal Students' In-Person Learning

The San Francisco City government meeting held on April 20, 2021, focused on critical discussions regarding the return to in-person learning for secondary students and the implications of declining enrollment figures in public education.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) metrics, highlighting concerns about decreasing enrollment numbers in San Francisco and across California. Officials acknowledged the impact of these trends on public education institutions, particularly community colleges, and emphasized the importance of the upcoming official ADA count in October. This count will inform future scenario planning and multiyear projections regarding educational funding.

Following this, the board addressed a tentative agreement with the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) concerning the return of secondary focal students to in-person instruction. Superintendent Matthews introduced the Chief of Labor Relations to present the memorandum of understanding (MOU), which outlines the terms for students attending classes at their home schools four days a week in middle school and five days a week in high school. The MOU is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2021.

Public comments were invited, with several educators and community members expressing support for the agreement. Chris Klaus, a special education teacher, urged the board to approve the MOU while also advocating for improved support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Susan Solomon, president of UESF, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the agreement to be implemented effectively to prioritize student needs.

Other speakers raised concerns about the pace of returning students to classrooms, advocating for a more student-centered approach and adherence to scientific guidelines in future negotiations. They highlighted the importance of engaging families and students in the decision-making process to ensure a smooth transition back to in-person learning.

The meeting concluded with a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous support for the tentative agreement, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing educational experiences for students in San Francisco. The board's next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of the MOU and addressing ongoing enrollment challenges in the district.