In the face of significant challenges within the San Francisco school district, Maria Su, a Vietnamese American official appointed by the city government, has stepped into the role of superintendent under intense pressure. The district is currently grappling with issues such as proposed school closures that have sparked outrage among parents. Despite these challenges, Su has received strong support from local officials, parents, and unions. But can new leadership alone resolve persistent problems like declining student enrollment and inadequate funding?
Following weeks of heated debate, a more harmonious atmosphere seems to have emerged. Su is expected to gain acceptance from the school board as the new superintendent. She acknowledges that the path ahead is fraught with difficulties, stating that her immediate priority is to present a “balanced budget” to the state government by December. To achieve this goal, the district will need to cut more than $100 million in spending.
On the day of her arrival at the district office, Su was welcomed by dozens of officials and community members, giving a sense of renewed hope for the public school system. Mayor London Breed, California’s education secretary, most school board members, and several city council members attended a press conference in her honor.
Mayor Breed remarked that the long-standing issues within the district have been a barrier to children’s education, leaving parents feeling both fearful and frustrated about the future of the schools. However, she noted that those feelings of fear and frustration have come to an end today. Su will continue to be a city employee but will be paid by the school district while serving as superintendent until June 2026. Breed emphasized the need for tenacious individuals like Su to tackle the daunting tasks ahead.
Interestingly, the press conference did not mention former superintendent Matt Wayne, who resigned last Friday after facing criticism for his hasty school closure plans and a recent budgeting blunder that left thousands of special-needs students without the required teachers, aides, and counselors at the start of the school year.
Amid the warm welcome, some faculty members stood at the back with their arms crossed, appearing to be less enthusiastic about Su’s appointment. Others expressed their skepticism privately, questioning her suitability for the position due to her lack of experience within the public education system.
