Community Action in SFUSD Layoffs Prevails
Last week, SFUSD’s LGBTQ+ Student Services program was on the verge of elimination. First of its kind, it was in jeopardy because R35 LGBTQ+ School Climate Coordinator Kena Hazelwood’s position was tentatively terminated. Hazelwood (ey/em) was among the 34 counselors and 117 paraeducators within the San Francisco Unified School District whose jobs hung in the balance. It seemed that, given today’s tense political atmosphere, students would lose access to services they need now more than ever.
Then, some good news for a change: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond rescinded layoff notices for these instructors. Nine educators however did not make the cut.
SFUSD and the struggle to learn responsible spending
The implosion of traditional stalwart figures in this battle didn’t happen easily. Representatives from SFUSD “characterized” (KTVU’s word) the rescission as “a show of fiscal responsibility, as well as a collaboration.” For good measure, SFUSD now has the funds to bring on an additional 77 teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. The district, San Francisco Board of Education, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond took credit in KTVU’s article.
“Thanks to the hard work and collaboration with the state and our labor partners, we are thrilled to be able to restore essential positions that support our students and schools,” Superintendent Dr. Maria Su told the Fox affiliate. “This is the result of deliberate, strategic planning and partnership at all levels. I fully recognize that behind every number is a person who has faced real uncertainty.”
California auditors told the Chronicle the SFUSD has “long struggled with accurate accounting of personnel, payroll, cash management and attendance.” The school district attracted prying eyes. Facing a state-mandated May 15th deadline and projected $113 million deficit, the cash-clumsy district rushed 151 pink slips. It appears officials had increased the state’s pre-existing oversight earlier this month, granting state fiscal advisers control over school board spending.
Another cost-cutting method soon came forward. 378 employees accepted the district’s offer of early retirement, reportedly saving SFUSD about $7 million over five years.
Good news for most, but not all
The thorn in the rose is, nine paraeducators in the San Francisco United School District still face layoffs. SFUSD is allegedly working with the Teacher’s Union toward an agreement that honors these educators’ commitments. The district is also collaborating with California Department of Education-appointed fiscal advisors to tap other sources of funding. SFUSD intends to outline budget reduction strategies through 2027–28.
Was Kena Hazelwood’s position among those eliminated? Fortunately for a significant number of San Francisco’s queer youth, Mx. Hazelwood will still inhabit the irreplaceable role of LGBTQ+ School Climate Coordinator. I followed up with Hazelwood and was delighted to learn that ey’re not going anywhere soon.
A win for queer and trans rights, for collective action
“Thank you so much,” starts Hazelwood’s email.
“The organizing, emails, calls, signs, articles and public comments have worked!” Hazelwood wrote. “Just got news that LGBTQ+ Student Services and I will continue to exist at SFUSD next year!!!”
“It is WITHOUT question that your actions made a huge difference; the district was able to push the CDE to do all the recessions because it was clear that there was an engaged public who would accept nothing less. If you watched this week’s grilling of our state advisor you saw the effects in real time.”
“Thank you to everyone for your support and any and all actions you took. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to keep supporting the queer and trans students and community of San Francisco’s public schools.”
With Gratitude ✊🏾🏳️🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✊🏾,
K
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
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