Mayor Daniel Lurie and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi appealed on Sunday for a last-minute deal between San Francisco teachers and the school district. With a strike looming less than 24 hours away, they requested a 72-hour delay to allow more negotiations. However, their request was denied.
Lurie emphasized the need for “three additional days for conversations” to continue. He wants discussions to support educators while ensuring the district’s financial health. Pelosi echoed this sentiment in her own statement, supported also by State Senator Scott Wiener.
Meanwhile, the teachers’ union held a press conference where its president, Cassondra Curiel, stated they hadn’t received a satisfactory proposal from the school district. “Without a signed agreement, we will proceed with the strike,” she declared.
Schools across the city will close Monday morning, with teachers ready to picket. Talks have been ongoing since March, with intense negotiations taking place Saturday that lasted almost 11 hours.
While there was some progress—specifically, protections for undocumented students were included in the union contract—the union’s demands remain unmet. Curiel emphasized that they want fully-funded family healthcare, improved special education resources, and salary increases without sacrificing other benefits.
The union submitted a proposal at 2 p.m. Saturday, receiving a counteroffer by 8:10 p.m. Curiel noted they are eager to respond but need more information from the district first.
Curiel highlighted the urgency, stating, “Without serious movement, we will strike on Monday.”
Superintendent Maria Su expressed her frustration in a statement, noting her willingness to return to negotiations. She attended Saturday’s talks for the first time after missing prior meetings.
Strikes can significantly impact students, families, and even the broader community. Research shows that teacher strikes often lead to greater attention on issues like educational funding and teacher pay, sparking discussions that can lead to long-term changes. For instance, the American Federation of Teachers reports that recent strikes in various states resulted in increased funding in schools and better pay for educators.
As this situation unfolds, the voices of teachers, parents, and community members on social media highlight the urgency of addressing the issues at hand. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future discussions about educational funding in major cities.
To stay updated on this issue, consider following local news outlets and educational forums that share relevant insights into the ongoing negotiations.
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Daniel Lurie,SFUSD
