SFUSD Reverses Layoffs And Will Hire More Teachers Amid Fiscal Turnaround

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced it will reverse 151 planned layoffs of essential school staff, including counselors and teacher aides, and plans to hire 77 more teachers, as its financial situation improves.

The Facts

SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su announced that 34 counselors and 117 teacher aides who were facing layoffs will retain their positions thanks to an improved budget outlook. Additionally, the district will be able to hire 77 additional teachers, adding to 162 previously approved positions. The district had initially faced a significant \$113 million budget shortfall, which prompted cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, early retirements of over 375 employees, and approximately 100 central office staff reductions.

The Context

SFUSD has been grappling with severe financial challenges, facing state oversight due to mismanagement and budget deficits. Superintendent Maria Su, appointed last year by Mayor London Breed after Superintendent Matt Wayne resigned, has been working closely with the school board and state education officials to stabilize district finances. The recent improvement signals effective fiscal management strategies and enhanced collaboration with state agencies, allowing SFUSD to reverse cuts and begin investing more directly into classrooms and student support services.

The GrowSF Take

GrowSF's primary criteria in School Board endorsements last November was fiscal responsibility, and we couldn't be more pleased with the performance of the new School Board members.

This turnaround demonstrates that effective leadership, fiscal responsibility, and state collaboration can reverse even severe financial setbacks. We applaud Superintendent Su’s swift action but also note that ongoing oversight, transparency, and strategic management remain essential to maintaining long-term stability and preventing future crises.