San Francisco Leaders Students Question School Closures at Yick Wo Elementary
Just a day after Maria Su was appointed as the new superintendent of the San Francisco Leaders Unified School District, she joined Mayor London Breed at Yick Wo Elementary School for a visit. However, the most challenging questions came not from the press but from the school’s fifth-graders, who were eager to understand the situation regarding their schools. One student directly asked, “Why were the schools closing in the first place?” referring to a previous proposal that had targeted several schools, including Yick Wo, for closure.
Su’s appointment followed the resignation of former Superintendent Matt Wayne, who stepped down amid financial challenges in the district. Mayor Breed explained to the students that the district faced significant financial issues and that closing schools had been considered as a potential solution. However, due to concerns from parents and insufficient data, the plan was paused. “We wanted to make sure that as grown-ups, we are doing everything we can to ensure your teachers are supported, you all are supported,” Breed reassured the students.
San Francisco Leaders Tough Questions for the New Superintendent
The discussion took a surprising turn when one student asked a direct and unexpected question: “How come you couldn’t fire Matt Wayne?” Su, a seasoned San Francisco leader from City Hall, responded by praising Wayne’s work, saying he “did a fantastic job.” She then redirected the conversation toward her new responsibilities, emphasizing her commitment to supporting the students, teachers, and school staff. Su deftly shifted the focus by asking the students about their librarian, a figure they all expressed admiration for. “I get to help your librarian and all those other great people that you have here in this school,” she added, aiming to reassure the students of her dedication.
Su’s transition into her new role came just days after the school board’s decision to let go of Wayne, following the public release of a list of schools that had been considered for closure. The list had sparked widespread backlash, leading to a temporary halt in the closure process. Despite the pause, Su faces the immense challenge of presenting a budget to the state by mid-December to address a deficit of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Su Pledges Transparency and Tough Decisions
During her visit, Su made it clear to the students that there is currently no plan to close schools, though she acknowledged the difficulties that lie ahead. She promised to be transparent in her approach, stating, “I will not sugarcoat anything.” While the closures are off the table for now, Su hinted that tough financial decisions would need to be made in the near future.
As she concluded her visit, Su reflected on the candid conversation with the students, noting that their questions were important and that she needed to be prepared to face similar challenges as she navigated the district’s ongoing financial crisis. “I need to make sure that I have the ability to answer tough questions,” she said with a smile.
