Rules Committee advances amended Student Success Fund charter amendment, continues to July 11

The San Francisco Rules Committee on July 6 advanced an amended charter amendment to create a Student Success Fund that would provide DCYF grants to schools in the San Francisco Unified School District to support academic achievement and students’ social and emotional wellness. Supervisor Matt Haney (presenting amendments on behalf of Supervisor Connie Chan's colleagues) led the presentation and said the amendments resolved labor concerns and refined fiscal protections.

The amendments shorten the fund from 25 years to 15 years, add a definition of “significant reductions” in excess ERAF receipt, and limit annual increases in the Fund’s appropriation to no more than 3% once the Fund reaches its full appropriation after a four‑year ramp. The measure also raises the Fund’s reserve to $40,000,000 and requires that if the Controller finds a significant reduction in excess ERAF after fiscal year 23‑24 the City is not required to appropriate the full scheduled amount for that year but shall appropriate at least $35,000,000 to the Fund—first drawing on the separate reserve account, then from the Budget Stabilization Reserve, then other reserves as needed.

Supervisor Shamann Walton (introducing changes echoed by the author) and Supervisor Aaron Peskin praised negotiated language intended to protect school grants while providing predictable fiscal guardrails. “We adjusted the duration of the measure from 25 years to 15 years,” Supervisor Ronan said when summarizing the edits, and noted the first‑year ramp amount of $11,000,000 is included in the FY23‑24 budget.

Public comment included Ashley Renick of Safe and Sound, who said the fund would help build a community‑schools model and support the city’s most marginalized students and families. By contrast, David Pilpel warned the measure redirected existing revenues (excess ERAF) rather than identifying new revenue and said, “in my opinion it would blow a big hole in next year’s budget.” Budget chair Ronan and staff pointed to the ramped first‑year appropriation and the new minimum appropriation language as protections.

Chair Aaron Peskin moved to adopt the amendments as stated and continue the item to the Rules Committee hearing on July 11 for final action. Roll call recorded no objections and the motion passed. The committee’s July 11 meeting is expected to include final technical checks before a recommendation to the full Board.

Why it matters: The Student Success Fund would create a dedicated, charter‑protected source of grant funding for school‑connected services. Supporters say it could expand community‑school capacity in neighborhoods with the greatest needs; critics say charter set‑asides reduce budget flexibility and must be balanced with citywide fiscal planning.

What’s next: The item was continued to the Rules Committee meeting on July 11, when the committee expects to vote to send the charter amendment to the full Board of Supervisors.