SFUSD weighs deep cuts, including slashing security and social workers, to plug $113M deficit

"Early budget proposals shared with school staff and obtained by Mission Local show that the San Francisco school district is considering significant cuts to plug a $113 million deficit, including laying off security guards and school counselors, eliminating middle school health programs, reducing social workers, and cutting the school day by one period. The proposed cuts come after Superintendent Maria Su said during last month's school board meeting that school closures are back on the table as a way to "stabilize" the budget."

"The cuts were presented to school principals at a meeting last month. One principal attending the meeting described the proposal, which will be presented to the school board on Dec. 9, as "detrimental" to students and staff, and the teacher's union has raised alarms. "We were not consulted at all," said Frank Lara, the vice president of the United Educators of San Francisco. The union is in the middle of contract negotiations, and teachers are expected to vote overwhelmingly on Wednesday to go on strike."

The San Francisco school district faces a $113 million deficit and is proposing significant cuts, including laying off security guards and school counselors, eliminating middle school health and wellness programs, reducing social workers, and shortening the school day by one period. The proposal follows Superintendent Maria Su signaling that school closures could be considered to stabilize the budget. Cuts were presented to principals and will be brought to the school board on Dec. 9, prompting union complaints about lack of consultation and plans for a likely teacher strike. The district says no final decisions have been made and the budget requires board approval in June 2026.

Read at Mission Local