Board hears budget boost from state, approves educator housing items and head-of-staff hire

At the Aug. 9 meeting, SFUSD staff presented a 45-day budget update reflecting an increase in projected state revenue that raised the district’s revenue estimate by about $20.5 million, reducing the budget shortfall for 2022–23 from roughly $22 million to about $1.4 million and improving the projected ending fund balance. Megan Wallace, head financial officer, described the primary adjustment as an increase in total revenues and said the revision did not propose new expenditures pending final enrollment certification and negotiations with labor partners.

The board also approved three items authorizing staff to consent to easements and record notices of special restrictions for the Shirley Chisholm Village / Francis Scott Key site, enabling MidPen to close construction financing for 100 moderate-income units and 35 low-income units intended for educator rental housing. Facilities staff said construction financing was expected to close Aug. 18 with a planned 24-month construction schedule.

Finally, the board approved a one-year employment agreement for the district’s head of staff; superintendent Wayne introduced the nominee and said the hire would fill a leadership vacancy. Votes on the housing items and the head-of-staff contract passed on roll calls recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: staff will monitor enrollment, negotiate compensation with labor partners before committing additional expenditures, proceed with housing financing and construction per developer schedule, and onboard the new head-of-staff.