San Francisco is facing a critical situation that must be addressed to prevent a state takeover of its schools. This urgent message comes from Carl A. Cohn, a highly respected educator who has been brought in to assist the city administrators appointed by Mayor London Breed in tackling the numerous crises plaguing the school district. These crises include a looming budget deficit, declining enrollment, and the recent departure of the superintendent, the second within two years.
Cohn emphasizes the importance of local control in addressing the challenges faced by the 48,000-student district, which are also being experienced to varying degrees by other districts across the state. While districts like Oakland Unified and West Contra Costa Unified are grappling with similar issues, San Francisco’s challenges appear to be particularly acute.
The loss of federal pandemic relief funds, combined with declining enrollments, presents a significant obstacle for most districts. Cohn, drawing on his extensive experience in public education, stresses the need for local stakeholders to take the lead in addressing the needs of historically underserved students.
Having served in various leadership roles in public education for over five decades, including as superintendent of the San Diego and Long Beach school districts, Cohn brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has been involved in overseeing troubled districts and implementing strategies to improve educational outcomes.
One of the key areas of focus for Cohn is finding alternatives to school closures, which can have a detrimental impact on communities. He advocates for a strategic approach to budget cuts and emphasizes the importance of strict oversight in financial management.
As the city of San Francisco plays a direct role in funding its schools, Cohn highlights the need for effective resource allocation based on actual enrollment figures. He suggests convening all key stakeholders to have open and candid discussions about retaining local control and addressing the district’s financial challenges.
Furthermore, Cohn points out the importance of exploring innovative strategies to attract and retain students, especially in the face of declining birthrates. By engaging with families and community members, the district can identify areas for improvement and develop targeted initiatives to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Given the upcoming mayoral election and school board seats on the ballot, the future of San Francisco’s schools remains uncertain. However, Cohn emphasizes the critical need for the district to prioritize resource allocation based on enrollment figures to prevent unsustainable spending practices.