In the latest installment of our “Meet the Candidates” series, the eight hopefuls for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) board answered two critical questions: how to end state fiscal oversight and how to tackle a 24% chronic absenteeism rate. Their responses, limited to 100 words each, reveal a shared commitment to responsible budgeting, transparent financial controls, and family‑focused attendance initiatives.
Ending State Fiscal Oversight
Autumn Brown Garibay highlighted the district’s recent three‑year balanced budget and positive certification, but warned that lasting stability requires eliminating the structural deficit, ending reliance on one‑time funds, and tightening payroll and enrollment projections. She urged the board to fully understand the ongoing cost of commitments before approval, promising fewer surprise cuts and more consistent classroom investment.
Virginia Cheung called for disciplined, multi‑year budgeting and stronger financial controls, especially around major contracts and payroll systems. She stressed that fiscal health cannot be achieved through cuts alone; strategic investments in educators and school staff are essential to improve outcomes and attract families, thereby boosting state funding.
Alida Fisher echoed the progress on balanced budgeting and certification, emphasizing the need for better forecasting, streamlined contracting, and modernized procurement. She argued that every dollar should be aligned with academic excellence, equity, and student services rather than indiscriminate cost‑cutting.
Ryan Hazelton praised the district’s self‑certified positive budget but noted that the state looks for consistent performance. He proposed growth strategies such as reducing chronic absenteeism to protect attendance‑tied funding, expanding community schools, and pursuing enrollment‑based state funding.
Phil Kim announced a move from a “negative” to a self‑certified “positive” fiscal status, expecting official certification in December. He stressed long‑term fiscal discipline through accurate revenue forecasting, prudent spending, and balanced multi‑year projections.
Laurence Lee urged the board to meet remaining California Department of Education requirements and sustain positive certification. He called for a functional internal audit team and transparent financial reports that show families how funds are used to benefit students.
Reina Tello reminded voters that the California Department of Education will make the final decision on oversight in December, and that a balanced three‑year budget is essential for a positive outcome.
Tim Tung emphasized disciplined five‑ to ten‑year financial planning, realistic reserve building, and clear guardrails for reserve use. He framed the goal as predictable, sustainable management rather than merely avoiding state oversight.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
Tim Tung proposed a tiered response: schools with 7.5% absenteeism create individualized plans; those at 10% trigger coordinated case management. He called for additional social workers, counselors, and community resources, with monthly tracking and quarterly board reporting to hold the superintendent accountable.
Autumn Brown Garibay said the district must focus on schools with the highest absenteeism, identify barriers keeping families home, and provide after‑care, health supports, and climate improvements. She noted recent investments and demanded measurable results.
Virginia Cheung advocated treating attendance as a signal, not a disciplinary issue. She urged real‑time, disaggregated data to spot early warning signs and partner with families to address health, housing, transportation, safety, language access, and belonging. As a single parent and former early‑childhood leader, she highlighted her personal understanding of these challenges.
All candidates agreed that improving attendance is not only an educational imperative but also a financial one, as higher enrollment and attendance bring additional state funding and long‑term stability to SFUSD.
Voters can review the full set of answers on Mission Local’s archive and compare each candidate’s priorities as the Nov. 3 school board election approaches.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
