Statement on the Anniversary of SFUSD School Closures

Today, March 13, marks the one-year anniversary since San Francisco’s public schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision to close at the time was a responsible one, and we recognize the incredible work that educators have been doing in the past year. Together, we continue working to defeat this virus. We know that during this time, everyone has made sacrifices – especially our kids.

But the hard truth of today is that there should be no anniversary of school closures. We’ve learned a lot since schools first closed, and we now have specific guidelines and scientific information for how to safely reopen schools. It’s being done across the country and the world.

For months, families and educators have been asking the Board of Education for a comprehensive plan to get all of our students back into the classroom safely; using the scientific knowledge we have developed. Yet the only definitive plan to have students return is for some Pre K-2nd Graders starting on April 12. This is a small first step, and one which we should have seen months ago. It’s far from enough on the one-year anniversary.

We thank you and the many others who have engaged so thoughtfully and thoroughly to advocate for our youth and for transparent and fact-based leadership and decision-making. We thank our teachers and administrators who have been working to plan for the upcoming schedules. Public voice and actions have been essential to bring accountability to this process and return the focus to educating our youth. 

Families for San Francisco will be releasing a comprehensive, fact-based report on the actions taken by the Board regarding school closures. The main takeaway from our research confirmed that the Board of Education has made multiple missteps when it comes to planning, leaving families confused and frustrated with unclear and incomplete information. Our report will be released in the coming days.