Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 17h

🌟 Join us on Oct 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, SF, for "New Realities: Mobilizing for Action." Connect, share strategies, and drive change on equity & community care.
🗓️ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
👉 Register & learn more www.ppssf.org/news/2025/10...
Let’s create impact together!
#SF

A promotional graphic for the event "New Realities: Mobilizing for Action," scheduled for October 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. The image features a black background with vibrant yellow, green, and red accents, displaying photos of key speakers, event details, and a link to read a related blog post for more information. The graphic emphasizes community engagement, policy action, and nonprofit leadership.

2 3

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 17h

🌟 Join us on Oct 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, SF, for "New Realities: Mobilizing for Action." Connect, share strategies, and drive change on equity & community care.
🗓️ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
👉 Register & learn more www.ppssf.org/news/2025/10...
Let’s create impact together!
#SF

2 3

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Fisher reported 0% student focus in August, 13% in September. VP Huling shared insights from her Georgetown budgeting course. Ray appointed He Liza to PFCAC for her arts expertise. The board moved to closed session before adjourning.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

President Kim recused due to City employment. In his absence, the VP asked if there were any consent calendar changes; the Superintendent said none. A motion was made and seconded, roll call showed 5 ayes and 1 no, motion passed, and President Kim was welcomed back

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

THE BOARD V.P.: Adding to that, the superintendent must operate with clear, unified board direction. Each commissioner having separate priorities creates confusion. We need consensus on major initiatives so the district can move forward effectively and transparently.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

THE SUPERINTENDENT: Thank you, President Kim. Those were indeed powerful words from AJ. I truly appreciate this framework because it provides clarity and structure. It helps align the board and administration, ensuring shared understanding of decision roles and responsibilities.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Alexander clarified that when Guardrail One was created, the board didn’t select specific major decisions—it was meant as a guiding principle, not a fixed list. It emphasized that the superintendent must consult the community before making any major decisions.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim said the framework’s goal is to define who decides and what counts as a major decision before planning engagement. It ensures clarity, avoiding shifting goals. Guardrail one applies only to major decisions; this process helps identify those clearly.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Gupta said defining decision types clarifies how to engage the public. Kim added it will link to the board’s calendar for planning. Ray asked about the basis; Kim said it follows the Inclusive Decision-Making Framework defining who decides and what counts as major.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim said defining decision types comes first; next is deciding how and when to engage communities. Fisher and Alexander urged adding columns for community input under guardrail one and aligning all votes to goals and guardrails. Kim agreed.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Weissman-Ward said the framework makes sense but worried about enforcing it, noting board members often blur lanes due to strong opinions. She asked how accountability and flexibility will work when disagreement arises on decision types.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim urged clarity on decision types upfront. Alexander said the framework works but isn’t yet applied. Kim said it’s future-focused to guide roles. Weissman-Ward agreed but warned it’ll be hard for members to stay in their lanes.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim introduced a framework to define board vs superintendent decisions for better governance. Alexander supported it but sought clarity on decision roles. Kim said the board sets goals; the superintendent handles operations like budgets.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Student delegates thanked the board, noting the complex budget discussion was educational and insightful despite the late hour. The board then unanimously approved Item 251 (unaudited financial report). Kim thanked everyone and moved to the next agenda item.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim asked about SFUSD’s $650M retiree health liability (OPEB). Presenter said SFUSD pays “as you go,” using current funds for retiree benefits instead of a CalPERS investment fund. Student delegate thanked everyone, calling it a valuable learning experience.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Most districts do the same due to the high upfront investment required.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Kim asked about SFUSD’s $650M unfunded retiree health liability (OPEB). Presenter explained the district currently pays benefits “as you go,” using current-year funds. Ideally, funds should be invested in CalPERS to cover future retiree costs.

1

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Fisher asked about tracking vacancies and special education spending. Presenter said SFUSD, as a single-district SELPA, should analyze these variances but hasn’t recently. A new CFO with statewide SPED funding expertise will lead accurate financial reporting soon.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Huling asked if underspending means savings or unmet needs. Presenter said large variances distort fiscal accuracy—district can’t rely on such numbers. Ending balance includes one-time funds; $38M is ongoing structural deficit. Reserve policy coming soon.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Huling asked about ideal variance goals and timeline. Presenter said aim is ≤10% variance, reducing over time with improved budgeting and interim reviews. Reaching that target will take over one year but less than two, requiring staff training and rebuilding expertise.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Ray asked if budget swings mean funds could go to raises. Presenter said no—district faces a $38M real and $150M potential deficit. Balancing budgets and funding raises at once is risky; goal is to cut variance below 10% within 1–2 years

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Alexander asked about aligning budgets with academic goals; presenter said clear priorities are key. Ray asked about budgeting tools and variances; presenter cited staffing-based allocations, discretionary funds, and ongoing $38M structural deficit.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Fisher sought clarity on SPED budget vs. legal duties; presenter said mandatory IEP hires proceed immediately, others can wait. Gupta flagged $50M in vacancies; presenter cited weak position control, lost records, and plans to audit and fix staffing accuracy.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Fisher sought clarity on SPED budget vs. legal duties; presenter said mandatory IEP hires proceed immediately, others can wait. Gupta flagged $50M in vacancies; presenter cited weak position control, lost records, and plans to audit and fix staffing accuracy.

Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco @ppssf.bsky.social · 1d

Commissioner Fisher asked how delaying mid-year SPED hires aligns with legal IEP service obligations. The presenter clarified it was misunderstood — mandatory IEP positions must still be filled immediately; the restraint applies only to non-statutory or grant-based hires.