Superintendent Maria Su Outlines Path to Recovery for SFUSD

Maria Su, the newly appointed superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), expresses optimism for the district’s future as it navigates a significant budget turnaround. Sworn in on October 22, 2024, Su took over in the wake of her predecessor’s resignation, facing a daunting $114 million budget deficit, staffing shortages, and operational inefficiencies.

Since her appointment, Su has spearheaded a two-year fiscal stabilization plan designed to restore financial health while ensuring that classrooms are adequately staffed. She emphasizes that, despite the challenges, the district is on a path to recovery and rebuilding trust with families.

“I see so much hope for us, and I see that we’re on the right track for not only financial stability and operational efficiency, but for us to really excel and become the world-class school district that I truly believe in my heart we are,” Su stated in a recent interview.

Su’s first year included difficult decisions, particularly the need to cut nearly $114 million from the budget. This involved some painful measures, including the early retirement of approximately 350 staff members. Despite these reductions, Su assures that maintaining a certified teacher in every classroom remains a priority.

### Addressing Staffing Challenges

At the start of the academic year, SFUSD managed to fill 95% of its classrooms, a figure that has since improved to around 97%. The remaining vacancies primarily affect special education, bilingual, and transitional kindergarten positions, which require specific certifications. To address these gaps, the district is collaborating with local educational institutions, such as San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco, to develop a teacher pipeline that encourages prospective educators to enter these essential roles.

Su acknowledges that while staffing remains a challenge, consistent teacher presence is crucial for student success. “We’re seeing the results,” she notes, highlighting improvements in student outcomes as a sign of progress.

### Financial Recovery and State Oversight

Concerns about state oversight of SFUSD finances have been prevalent among families, particularly regarding the potential for a state takeover. Su remains confident about the district’s trajectory. “If we stay the course and continue our spending diet, we will be able to get positive certification by the end of this school year,” she asserted. This optimism is supported by ongoing conversations with the California Department of Education (CDE), which occur multiple times each week to ensure that the district meets all necessary requirements.

The implementation of new state-aligned literacy and math curricula has also been a focal point for Su, who believes that these educational reforms will significantly benefit student learning. The district is committed to continuous professional development to support teachers in effectively delivering the new curricula.

### Labor Relations and Community Engagement

In addition to fiscal challenges, the SFUSD has been engaged in labor negotiations with district employees. Recently, a tentative agreement was reached with the United Administrators of San Francisco, which Su describes as a significant step towards honoring the hard work and dedication of administrators.

Balancing financial constraints with the need to adequately support staff is a complex task. Su emphasizes that collaboration and open communication are essential. “Both sides need to have a single focus on what is best for students, and that’s how we can make these deals happen,” she explained.

As part of her commitment to improving relationships with families and school communities, Su has made it a priority to attend school events and engage with parents directly. She aims to visit at least three schools each week to foster transparency and strengthen community ties.

Su’s tenure, while marked by challenges, reflects a dedicated effort to navigate the complexities of running a large urban school district. Her vision for SFUSD is clear: a commitment to financial stability, operational efficiency, and improved educational outcomes for all students. As she looks to the future, Su remains hopeful about the district’s potential and the collective efforts of staff, families, and the community in achieving lasting success.