SFUSD Teachers Strike Shuts Down Schools for 50,000 Students as Negotiations Drag On

The **San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)** serves as California's seventh-largest public school system, educating approximately **50,000–57,000 students** across 141–144 schools in grades K-12, while also administering the San Francisco County Office of Education as a unique city-county entity.[1][4][6][7] Established to deliver **equitable, high-quality instruction** for 21st-century success, SFUSD emphasizes career technical education (e.g., business, marketing, health careers, industrial technology), computer science, Common Core standards, multilingual learner support, special education, and social-emotional learning.[2] Its comprehensive offerings span early education through postsecondary pathways, including AP classes, arts programs, clubs, sports, and work experience education.[2][3] Historically, SFUSD has navigated urban challenges like diversity and equity, earning strong ratings: **A- in academics and college prep, A+ in diversity and teachers** per Niche reviews, with praise for resource-rich schools like Lowell High (abundant APs, clubs, languages) despite calls for broader ethnic representation.[3] Financially robust, it reported **$1 billion in 2016-17 revenue** ($18,368 per pupil, 61% local sources) and secures capital via bonds ($1M in FY2022), developer fees, and Mello-Roos taxes for a **$1.137 billion five-year facilities plan**.[1][4] Currently, SFUSD maintains a **highly rated status** on platforms like Niche (overall strong academics, B+ activities) and the California School Dashboard, supported by community donors funding **20,000+ teacher projects** via DonorsChoose from 49,000+ individuals.[3][4][5] Notable for tech-aligned curricula amid San Francisco's innovation hub, it fosters future business leaders through STEM, CTE, and equity initiatives, thoug

**United Educators of San Francisco (UESF)** is a powerful labor union representing over 6,500 educators in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), including teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, counselors, and psychologists, advocating for optimal learning environments amid urban challenges.[1][4][8] Founded in 1989 through the merger of the San Francisco Federation of Teachers and San Francisco Classroom Teachers, UESF emerged under visionary leaders Joan-Marie Shelley and Judy Dellamonica, uniting a century of education unionism into "one voice" for SFUSD staff.[3][8] Its mission emphasizes supporting successful education, higher student achievement, democratic processes, improved teaching quality, and better working conditions for adults and children.[1][2] UESF's achievements shine in community-driven initiatives. It champions housing solutions like the Stay Over Program, converting school gyms into overnight shelters for unhoused students—a critical response to San Francisco's sky-high living costs.[5] The union pivoted to immigrant protections, launching an "adopt-a-school" rapid-response network against ICE raids and a Sanctuary Legal Defense Fund with $50,000 in matching funds, partnering with groups like Faith in Action Bay Area.[5] Recent bargaining victories delivered historic raises and retroactive pay for certificated and classified members, bolstered by massive solidarity actions, including a February 11 event drawing 20,000 supporters.[4] Today, as an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, UESF remains active amid labor tensions—SFUSD schools closed that same February 11—pushing pledges to protect public education, immigrant rights, and equitable resources.[4][5][6][8] Under President Cassondra Curiel, it transcends traditional union roles, weaving social justice into contracts for housing and sanctuary, proving educators' infrastructure drives real change for students and families in a tech-driven city grappling with inequality.[5] (Word count: 298)