One of the biggest issues for San Francisco Schools over the past few years has been declining enrollment. Since the state provides schools with a per pupil allotment of funds, the annual loss of about 800 students has cost San Francisco Schools about $7 million. Given the budget pressures its already dealing with, the district was forced to close many schools in the 2006-2007 school year.
Thats why the recent state budget was such good news. San Francisco schools will receive an additional $13 million in cost-of-living (COLA) increases. This will help offset the expected $7 million loss from continued declining enrollment. The remaining funds will be used to cover salary increases for teachers and health benefits for San Francisco Schools employees. But how will the San Francisco Schools move forward from this point?
The plan involves two major components. The first is a long-term plan to address the enrollment issue in San Francisco Schools. The second is a parcel tax, which is expected to appear on the February 2008 ballot. Of course, there is no guarantee that voters of the San Francisco Schools will approve a tax increase. Commissioner Jill Wynns is working...