As strike looms, S.F. superintendent granted 'emergency powers'

"As the clock ticks down to the last moment when San Francisco teachers can publicly declare a district-wide strike, which could come as soon as Monday, Superintendent Maria Su is preparing for the potential fallout: school closures. At a special school board meeting called on Tuesday night, Su asked the board to sign off on an emergency resolution that would grant her the authority to make "necessary, operational decisions" in the event of a strike."

"If teachers were to walk out of their classrooms on Monday, the resolution would allow the superintendent to hire additional security staff, in addition to commissioning transportation, food, and emergency services. Other tasks, she said, would be run by volunteers. The board approved the emergency powers in a 4-3 vote. The district did make a last-minute change, preventing Su from hiring new substitute teachers on a pay-by-day basis. Any substitutes hired would already need to have a current contract."

"If schools do not have the essential staff to operate a school, the resolution gives the superintendent the authority to close schools indefinitely. Commissioners Matt Alexander, Alida Fisher, and the student delegate, Lowell senior Shoon Mon, voted no. Any security staff, substitute teachers, or other personnel who continue to work in schools will have to cross a picket line if the teacher's union goes on strike."

Superintendent Maria Su received emergency authority from the school board to make operational decisions if teachers stage a district-wide strike. The powers include hiring additional security staff and commissioning transportation, food, and emergency services, with other tasks assigned to volunteers. The board approved the resolution 4-3 but restricted the superintendent from hiring new daily-paid substitute teachers; substitutes must hold current contracts. The resolution permits indefinite school closures if essential staff are unavailable. Staff who continue to work would need to cross picket lines. The principals' union may vote on a sympathy strike. Labor talks remain at an impasse pending a state fact-finder report.

Read at Mission Local