United Administrators of San Francisco urge district to resume negotiations on learning agreements

Luis Rodriguez, representing the United Administrators of San Francisco (UASF), called for urgent negotiations with the district during a recent government meeting, highlighting ongoing health and safety concerns as schools navigate the complexities of returning to in-person and hybrid learning. Rodriguez congratulated Principal McKamey for her recent award but quickly shifted focus to the pressing issues facing UASF members, who have been working diligently without a formal agreement in place.

Despite the lack of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the return to classrooms, Rodriguez emphasized that UASF members have remained committed to their students and families, adapting to changing guidelines and expectations. He urged the district to recognize the hard work of educators and return to the negotiation table in good faith, stressing that the current situation is unsustainable without addressing the increased workload and responsibilities of staff.

Joan Hepperly, co-executive director of UASF, echoed Rodriguez's sentiments, noting that morale among members is at an all-time low. She pointed out that while schools were set to reopen once all unions' MOUs were finalized, this did not occur, leaving educators feeling undervalued. Hepperly called for compassion in negotiations, advocating for fair compensation and appropriate staffing support to ensure a successful school year.

In a related discussion, concerns were raised about racially based criteria in the district's multi-tiered system of supports, which some argue unfairly denies essential resources to schools with higher percentages of white and Asian students. This issue highlights the need for a more equitable approach to resource allocation in San Francisco schools.

As the district faces these critical discussions, the call for renewed negotiations and equitable support for all schools remains paramount. The outcomes of these conversations will significantly impact the morale and effectiveness of educators as they strive to provide quality education in challenging circumstances.