SFUSD Board Criticized for Eroding Public Access and Accountability in Governance Shift

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Board of Education is facing sharp criticism for recent actions that a prominent local voice, John Trasviña, argues are moving in the "wrong direction" concerning public access and accountability. The concerns stem from a recent meeting held with limited public notice and accessibility, alongside proposed changes to board procedures. Trasviña, a former dean at the University of San Francisco School of Law, articulated his concerns in a recent article for The Voice SF, stating, "At a time when keeping faith w/ governance rules for public access & accountability is more important than ever, @SFUnified Board of Ed is headed in the wrong direction." This sentiment, shared via social media, highlights a growing unease regarding the board's operational transparency. The criticism centers on a Sunday meeting announced with late Friday afternoon notice, which saw only six members of the public in attendance and lacked video or audio recording. This occurred despite a board rule suggesting 72 hours' notice "where possible." Board President Phil Kim is reportedly initiating rule changes that could restrict commissioner debate and limit questions posed to district staff. Further raising concerns about public engagement, a Board Vice President reportedly stated that board meetings "aren’t for or with the public. It is our work in view of the public." This perspective, coupled with the encouragement for commissioners to submit written questions in advance, suggests a shift towards more controlled proceedings. While the SFUSD Board of Education has previously announced initiatives aimed at "Continuous Improvement for Effective Governance" and increasing transparency, recent observations by critics like Trasviña indicate a divergence from these stated goals. An external governance advisor, AJ Crabill, has also noted that the board is "not executing basic rules and norms effectively." These developments occur against a backdrop of historical governance challenges for the SFUSD Board, including a significant recall of three board members in 2022. Critics argue that the current trajectory risks further alienating the public and undermining trust in the district's decision-making processes, particularly as the district navigates ongoing budget issues and school closures.