Dear SFUSD Staff:

I’m writing today to let you know that SFUSD is on track to offer in-person learning options at a select number of schools for our youngest students (those in Phase 2A) starting on April 12, 2021. Additional students will be offered in-person options before the end of April.

As you know, our goal has been and continues to be to provide more options and opportunities for our students to learn. We’ve been preparing to offer in-person instruction to those students in our focal groups who want to return this school year. We will also continue to provide distance learning for the remainder of the school year that ends in June for those who cannot or choose not to return. 

I want to assure you that we will not reopen any schools until we can implement all health and safety measures required by the SF Department of Public Health and agreed upon with our labor unions. We will be sharing more detailed information in the coming weeks.

I also want to remind you that anyone who works in education is eligible for vaccination in San Francisco. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective preventative measures in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives, and we encourage all staff to get vaccinated. Staff do not have to use sick leave, and can get vaccinated during work hours with no loss of pay. In the unlikely event they have a reaction to the vaccine, staff may take up to five days of leave without using sick leave or leave accruals to recover. 

We encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Make an appointment at a location near you at My Turn. We have sent priority codes to 4,000 staff and will continue to do so as we receive them, so please be sure to check your district email for regular updates. Once you have received your first dose of the vaccine, please complete our Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker. This information will help us ensure that any vaccination codes we receive in the future will go to staff who need them. 

Thank you for all that you do in service of students and families. I hope you have a safe and restful weekend.

Sincerely,
Dr. Vincent Matthews
Superintendent of Schools