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

SFUSD’s LGBTQ+ Student Services program is the oldest program of its kind in the world. It has been innovating and setting the standard for whole student support for more than 35 years! Responsibility for the many district-wide initiatives required to support San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ students comes down to one individual.

San Francisco Unified School District has not yet confirmed whether the list of schools set to close will be released in October, leaving families and staff feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.

With a delay in school closure announcements and questions about whether they’re even necessary to begin with, many look to SF Parent Coalition for guidance. But is the organization just another astroturf nonprofit funded by billionaires to ultimately undermine public schools?

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) botched support for its labor force over the last few years. Pink slips, budget audits, board drama, payroll problems, staff shortages and pandemic disputes are just some of the issues that have negatively impacted district employees. However, with new leadership and a new school year underway, this is a pivotal opportunity to improve the culture and climate in the district.