Meet the school board candidates: How should SFUSD use its reserves?
Reported byMission Local
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This installment of Mission Local's weekly candidate series asks the eight people on San Francisco's November ballot for the school board how San Francisco Unified should use its reserves. Three seats are up for election. Each candidate answers in 100 words or fewer, and new answers appear on Fridays.
The district says its official reserve is $139 million, and $28 million of that is required by the state. It says some of the rest should be kept for emergencies. Board members disagree over whether to hold more in savings or spend more now. During the February teachers strike, the district drew on reserves to help pay for wage increases and health coverage for employees' family members. It warned that this could lead to cuts and layoffs later.
The candidates' answers vary. Several say one-time money should not cover ongoing costs. Some want spending on attendance outreach, community schools, staffing, early support for students with special needs, and facilities. Others stress rebuilding savings. One answer says reserves are about 12% of the budget, compared with a recommended 17%, and are forecast to fall to 3% by 2029. Another would keep about $130 million for another year. One answer cites a reported fund balance above $420 million. The article also lists each candidate's endorsements.
Why it matters
Reserve decisions affect whether the district can avoid future cuts, protect jobs and fund student supports. The answers show how the people seeking three board seats would weigh spending now against saving for later.
- Candidate profiles
- Voter guides
- Budget deficit
- Layoffs
- Teacher pay
- Chronic absenteeism
Written with AI from the publisher's article and may contain errors. The original reporting is the authoritative source.
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- What should count as a legitimate use of one-time reserve money, and what should be left to the regular budget?
- How should the district explain reserve levels and spending choices so families and staff can follow them?
- How might the board weigh the risk of future cuts against student needs that exist today?
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