San Francisco schools cancel staff layoffs, a major victory for US educators and unions

In a stunning reversal, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has decided to cancel the layoffs of 151 staff members, marking a significant victory for educators and unions.The layoffs had initially been planned to address the district’s $113 million budget deficit, but the district’s new move provides hope for public school workers nationwide.The decision, announced on May 16, 2025, follows months of contentious negotiations under the oversight of the California Department of Education. The layoffs would have affected 34 school counselors and 117 paraeducators. These positions are critical for the functioning of schools, offering essential support to students and teachers alike.Victory for educators and unionsThis dramatic turn of events comes after the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) had fervently protested the layoffs. The union’s efforts, alongside collaboration with the California Department of Education and SFUSD leadership, played a crucial role in reversing the decision. UESF celebrated the cancellation as a significant win for teachers, paraprofessionals, and students.“We are thrilled to be able to restore essential positions that support our students and schools,” Superintendent Maria Su said in a statement, as reported by the SF Chronicle. She credited the success to "deliberate, strategic planning and partnership at all levels."Alongside rescinding the layoffs, SFUSD also announced the hiring of 77 additional teachers for the upcoming school year, in addition to the 162 positions already approved by the state. This expansion is expected to ease the strain on classrooms and provide more support for students across the district.Financial recovery and state oversightThe initial budget deficit had raised alarm among educators and families, as the district struggled with financial instability. The California Department of Education had downgraded SFUSD’s financial stability to negative, resulting in strict state oversight. SFUSD’s recent progress is seen as a step toward restoring the district’s fiscal health."We are committed to long-term financial stability so that our focus can continue to remain on improving our student outcomes," said Board of Education President Phil Kim, as quoted by the SF Chronicle. The district also intends to address its budget gap through central office staff reductions and early retirements.A turning point for US public educationThe decision to reverse the layoffs is more than just a victory for SFUSD; it has wide-reaching implications for US educators and unions. The backlash against such layoffs resonates in other districts facing similar financial challenges. As UESF Vice-President Teanna Tillery told Mission Local, "continued advocacy and fighting — you know, it matters."This reversal is a testament to the power of organized efforts by educators and unions in the face of budget cuts and austerity measures. It underscores the importance of supporting public education and ensuring that critical staff positions remain in place, despite financial difficulties.