San Francisco, California – Public schools across the city will remain closed for a fourth consecutive day as negotiations continue between district officials and union leaders. The ongoing strike has disrupted learning for tens of thousands of students, with both sides saying progress is being made but key issues remain unresolved.
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) confirmed that schools would stay shuttered Thursday as talks continue over wages, healthcare benefits, and support for special education staff. Approximately 6,000 educators represented by the United Educators of San Francisco have been on strike since Monday after contract negotiations stalled over the weekend.
District Says Progress Is Being Made
District communications director Laura Dudnick stated that discussions are actively focusing on healthcare coverage, salary increases, and special education needs. She emphasized that negotiations are moving forward and described recent conversations as productive.
Superintendent Maria Su made a public appeal for urgency, calling for an agreement to be finalized as soon as possible. She described the district’s latest proposal as both generous and fiscally responsible, highlighting what she characterized as significant increases in compensation and healthcare benefits.
According to Su, the district’s offer aims to put more money directly into educators’ pockets while maintaining long-term financial stability for the school system. She framed the proposal as an investment in teachers and their families.
Union Pushes for Broader Protections
Union president Cassondra Curiel responded by noting that the district had shifted its position on several issues after months of resistance. These include sanctuary school policies, housing protections, classified staff compensation, artificial intelligence guidelines, and contracting practices.
Curiel said the union’s primary priorities remain fully funded family healthcare, manageable workloads for special education staff, and fair compensation for certificated teachers. She argued that addressing these concerns is essential to stabilizing schools and ending the strike.
City and State Leaders Urge Resolution
Both sides have received encouragement from local and state leaders to reach an agreement quickly. Daniel Lurie met with union and district representatives, stressing that every day out of the classroom affects students. He said reopening schools is a top priority while also supporting educators and maintaining fiscal stability.
Tony Thurmond also urged swift progress toward a resolution.
Impact on Students
More than 50,000 students across 122 schools are affected by the closure. District officials have indicated they will work with the state to ensure students still receive the legally required number of instructional days despite the disruption.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, families across San Francisco are waiting for a breakthrough that would bring educators back into classrooms and restore normal school operations. Both sides have expressed optimism about progress, but no agreement has yet been finalized.
