Board outlines full return to school plan, adds limited independent-study pilot for medically fragile students

Superintendent Matthews told the board that San Francisco Unified is planning for a full return to in-person learning beginning Aug. 16, 2021, while continuing to follow California and local public-health guidance. "We will be back to full in person learning 5 full days," Matthews said as he described preparations for health and safety, facilities, staffing and instruction.

Deputy Superintendent Aginta Blythe reviewed town-hall outreach and vaccine partnerships: an ongoing vaccination clinic at Burton High School through mid-July in partnership with UCSF CARES and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and three summer town halls planned July 6'08 in English, Spanish and Cantonese with ASL and closed captioning.

The board also moved to create a limited pilot virtual academy through amended Board Policy 6.102.6 to serve students who are medically fragile or would be put at risk by in-person instruction due to COVID-19. The policy amendment (approved at first reading after suspension of rules) requires a minimum of 240 minutes of daily synchronous instruction and at least three weekly small-group sessions of 30 minutes; students may at any time opt to return to regular in-person instruction. Staff emphasized the pilot is narrow in scope for fall 2021 and will be evaluated for future expansion.

Public commenters urged detailed transparency on ventilation and HVAC upgrades, access to extracurriculars, and clear attendance and safety procedures for independent-study participants. District staff said they will monitor the pilot, prioritize students with documented medical need and report back to the board.