In a significant development, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has announced that it will not be closing any schools in the 2025-26 academic year. This announcement coincides with Superintendent Matt Wayne's decision to step down from his position. Dr. Maria Su, currently co-leading the City’s School Stabilization Team, has been appointed as his successor. Wayne's resignation follows closely on the heels of public criticism by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who expressed a loss of confidence in Wayne's ability to effectively handle the District's plan to close and merge 11 schools.

Matt Alexander, President of the Board of Education, expressed his enthusiasm over Dr. Maria Su's appointment, emphasizing the need for stable leadership as the District navigates challenging decisions ahead. Dr. Su is expected to officially assume her role as Superintendent following her appointment at the Board of Education's next regular meeting on October 22, 2024. The SFUSD has stated that the resources provided by the mayor's School Stabilization team will remain accessible under Su’s leadership. However, the District acknowledges that future school closures and mergers might still be necessary as part of addressing financial challenges.

The SFUSD outlines that declining student enrollment is a critical factor affecting the District, and Dr. Su is tasked with mitigating its impacts. Her strategies will include evaluating school mergers or closures to stabilize the financial situation while ensuring the continuation of essential educational services. Su aims to serve all student populations, focusing particularly on those most vulnerable to educational opportunity gaps.

In a session on October 1st, Su addressed the Board of Supervisors to outline her plans to investigate the factors leading to the current organizational challenges and to ensure history does not repeat itself. Mayor London Breed has expressed full confidence in Su, praising her commitment to children and families in San Francisco. The Mayor stressed the importance of addressing the budget deficit to prevent the possibility of a state takeover. She highlighted Su’s strong leadership qualities, emphasizing her clarity, compassion, and commitment to maintaining transparent communication with families and educators. As Su steps into her new role, the City of San Francisco will continue to support her with necessary resources and capabilities to ensure a thriving future for SFUSD.