SF Board of Education To Vote On Preliminary Layoff Notices

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing to issue preliminary layoff notices as part of its effort to close a $113 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year.

The San Francisco Board of Education will vote on the measure at its meeting on Tuesday, as the district seeks to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and regain full local control of its finances.

The proposed layoffs would impact 395 certificated positions, including teachers and administrators, and 164 classified positions across central offices and schools.

This follows the board’s February 11 decision to release temporary one-year teaching positions, probationary employees, and 149 certificated administrators who may be reassigned or released.

Additional notices for 43 central office classified administrators and 86 classified civil service employees are expected in the coming months.

Superintendent Dr. Maria Su acknowledged the difficult nature of these decisions, stating, “We care deeply about our staff, who show up every day in service of our students and families. At the same time, it is my responsibility to make these difficult decisions to address our structural deficit and achieve fiscal solvency.”

The district has taken steps to minimize the number of affected employees, including implementing a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) and reducing reliance on contracted services.

The preliminary notices, required under California state law, must be issued by March 15, with final notices due by May 15.

SFUSD officials stressed that not all preliminary notices will result in actual job losses, as factors such as retirements, resignations, and budget adjustments could alter the final numbers.

The district will present its Second Interim Budget Report on March 11, which may provide a clearer financial outlook.

SFUSD and the Board of Education emphasized their commitment to transparency as they navigate these budget challenges. “Our staff, students, and families deserve clarity, transparency, and honesty as we make these critical but necessary decisions,” Board of Education President Phil Kim said.