San Francisco Unified faces enrollment and support challenges

As the new academic year begins, the San Francisco Unified School District is navigating financial stabilization and shifting student demographics. Superintendent Maria Su reported that the district has achieved a milestone by passing a three-year balanced budget with a healthy reserve, following previous years of fiscal struggle.

Despite the balanced budget, the district faces long-term challenges due to declining enrollment, which impacts state funding tied to attendance. Additionally, a districtwide policy restricting cellphone use during class hours is being implemented, with individual principals determining enforcement methods.

The district also serves as a critical resource for immigrant families. Through the RISE SF (Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity in Education) office, staff assist newcomer students and their families with school enrollment, free lunch applications, and connections to legal, housing, and health services. While the district does not track immigration status, teachers' unions reported that 2,862 immigrant students were classified as newcomers during the previous school year.