San Francisco Mayor London Breed and newly appointed San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Maria Su visited Yick Wo Elementary School in Chinatown on October 23. During their visit, they interacted with fourth-grade students and faculty, introducing Su as the new superintendent and expressing her commitment to improving district operations, balancing the budget, and rebuilding community trust.
After engaging with the students and staff, Mayor Breed and Superintendent Su held a press conference in the school library, where they addressed questions from reporters. Su emphasized that the district’s top priority is to ensure financial stability, highlighting the importance of collaborating with the California Department of Education to submit a compliant budget that maintains local control of the district.
“I won’t sugarcoat any issues,” Su stated. “We must take immediate action to present a balanced budget, which is crucial for preserving the district’s autonomy. The financial challenges we face are multifaceted. Beyond the budget deficit, there are numerous inefficiencies within our operational system.” She added, “Our operational system has many gaps that require thorough investigation and resolution to ensure the long-term sustainability of the district.” Su acknowledged that she needs time to gather data and propose a comprehensive response plan.
According to Su, she will meet with the district’s Chief Financial Officer to conduct a detailed review of the budget, ensuring that every expenditure aligns with the actual needs of the district. She committed to tightening the budget by reducing unnecessary expenses and ensuring that funds are allocated to the most valuable initiatives.
In addition to financial challenges, Su emphasized her other primary goal: rebuilding trust both inside and outside the district, which is critical for effective operations. She pointed out that the district’s credibility has suffered in recent years, leading to a crisis of trust among staff, parents, and the broader community. “Trust is the foundation of our success,” she remarked.
“There has been too much negative information about the district that students and parents have heard and read, which has left them feeling disappointed and anxious. We need to show through our actions that we are committed to fighting for their futures, and we will work to restore a sense of stability and hope.”
Su expressed her intention to collaborate closely with teachers, principals, students, and parents to ensure their voices are heard and their needs met. She also pledged to enhance communication with the community, enabling parents and students to better understand the district’s dynamics and progress.
Mayor Breed stated that the city government will continue to support the district’s financial reconstruction efforts and will assist in resource allocation and policy development to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education.
Throughout the press conference, Su remained optimistic about the district’s future despite the significant challenges it faces. “We have a lot of work to do, but as long as we work together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger district.”
