Each year our school district submits a budget to the State of California, and that budget is created with community input. One way that input is gathered is through School Site Councils. While School Site Councils meet year round, the formal launch of our schools’ budgeting process is coming up: this is when school site leaders and community stakeholders meet for the School Planning Summit to work together as a team to create a strategic plan for their school. 

As a staff member in SFUSD, the School Planning Summit is an important opportunity for you—along with site leaders, families, and stakeholders—to set goals that include your entire school community. The School Planning Summit allows us to gather collectively to discuss our budget as a district, while also giving schools the opportunity to plan according to their community’s unique needs. 

This year, our School Planning Summit will take place on Saturday, March 2. You can find more information on the SFUSD website and from your school. I hope to see you there!

This month, I also want to recognize Black History Month. As a school district that deeply values diversity, we believe Black History should be celebrated 365 days a year—366 in this leap year. The diverse histories, experiences, stories and voices of Black people should be recognized, honored, and uplifted every day. We also value the fundamental opportunity Black History Month offers schools to acknowledge African Americans as critical to the past, present and future, and we recognize the importance, relevance and origins of Black History Month. 

Although we have made progress in our efforts to educate and support each and every SFUSD student, we know that there are still persistent gaps in access, opportunities and outcomes for many Black students in our district, city and country. We are also extremely proud of the many students, staff and school communities in SFUSD that are excelling and uplifting the achievements and history of Black Americans all year and especially during the month of February. We have updated our Black History Month Resource Guide to further support SFUSD educator efforts to celebrate, explore and elevate our individual and collective consciousness.

Finally, I want to extend my gratitude for all that you are doing in service of students and families. I hope you are also finding ways to implement rest and self care. As a reminder, we offer supports to SFUSD staff through our Employee Assistance Program.

Please keep reading this month’s newsletter for other important updates and information.