San Francisco Teachers Strike Shuts 120 Schools

San Francisco’s public schools remained closed for the fourth straight day as nearly 6,000 teachers continued their strike over salary increases, health benefits, and better support for students. The strike has impacted almost 50,000 students across 120 schools in the city.

The teachers, represented by the United Educators of San Francisco, have been negotiating with the San Francisco Unified School District for nearly a year. The union is demanding fully funded family health care, higher wages, and the filling of vacant positions, especially in special education and student services.

Parents Struggle to Manage Child Care

Many parents are facing serious challenges due to the school closures. Connor Haught, who works in the construction industry, is working from home while managing virtual meetings and keeping his two daughters busy. His wife works evening shifts at a restaurant, and together they planned to keep their 8- and 9-year-old daughters at home during the first week of the strike.

Like many families, they are organizing playdates and local outings to manage the situation. However, uncertainty about how long the strike will continue is causing concern.

“The biggest worry for parents is the timeline and how long this will go on,” Haught said.

Some families are enrolling children in full-day programs offered by after-school centers, while others are depending on relatives or friends for child care. However, many parents say these options can be expensive.

Teachers Demand Better Pay and Support

The union initially asked for a 9% salary increase over two years, saying it would help teachers manage the high cost of living in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

The school district, which is facing a $100 million budget deficit and is under state financial oversight, rejected the proposal. Instead, officials offered a 6% raise spread over three years.

Both sides are also in disagreement over family health benefits.

On Wednesday, hundreds of teachers gathered at Ocean Beach and formed the word “strike” in large letters to show unity while negotiations continued.

Lily Perales, a history teacher at Mission High School, said the strike is meant to secure a better future for students.

“This is for the betterment of our students. They deserve safe and fully staffed schools. We need competitive salaries and proper health care to retain teachers,” she said.

District Urges Quick Agreement

Superintendent Maria Su said the district is ready to reach an agreement and had presented a counterproposal. She stated that district officials were prepared to negotiate for as long as needed, but union representatives had ended talks for the day.

“We are prepared and committed to getting this agreement done,” she said.

Despite ongoing discussions, no final agreement has been reached yet.

Families Feel Financial Pressure

For working parents like Sonia Sanabria, the strike has created financial stress. Sanabria, who works as a cook at a restaurant, stayed home to care for her 5-year-old daughter and 11-year-old nephew. A local church provided free lunch for children during the school closures.

“If I don’t work, I don’t earn,” she said. She may need to request leave from her job if the strike continues.

Sanabria supports the teachers’ demands but hopes the issue is resolved soon.

“They teach our children and help build their future. They deserve better wages and health insurance,” she said.

Schools remain closed as negotiations continue between the union and the district. Parents, students, and teachers are waiting for an agreement that could bring students back to classrooms soon.

The strike highlights the growing tension between rising living costs and school district budget limitations in San Francisco.