Board votes to recognize Juneteenth as an SFUSD holiday starting June 19, 2022

The San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously on May 10 to adopt Resolution 2231SP1 recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day and declaring June 19, 2022, and June 19 of each year thereafter as a local SFUSD holiday.

Public support and rationale: Public commenters including members of the Special Education Community Advisory Committee, the Parent Advisory Council and United Educators of San Francisco urged the board to adopt the holiday as an acknowledgment of community history and to afford families and staff the chance to observe and learn. "Representation matters," an advisory committee representative said.

District procedure: Staff explained that although the federal government recognized Juneteenth, the district still needed a specific board action to make it an official district holiday. The motion passed by roll call (7 ayes).

Next steps and implementation: The board directed staff to update calendars and inform schools and families. Commenters suggested the holiday will allow schools to plan instruction and family events to teach about the holiday.

Ending: The board approved the resolution by roll call. Staff will implement calendar changes for 2022 and include the holiday in future academic-year planning.