Dear SFUSD community,

I hope this email finds you in good spirits. It looks like we are in for a wet end of the week with another potential “atmospheric river” on its way. Prior to the last major rainstorms in January we received numerous inquiries about whether school would stay open. I am writing to let you know that schools will be in session for the rest of the week and to share how SFUSD is preparing to provide safe learning spaces for our students even during inclement weather.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a storm system that will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region on Thursday and Friday. We are taking the necessary precautions to prepare for the storm so that our schools can be safe spaces for learning, that students can receive essential services, and so that students are in the care of an adult. 

I want to share a few actions we are taking in preparation:

• Preparing our school sites for the storm and paying special attention to any health and safety hazards associated with flooding and wind damage.
• Reactivating a virtual SFUSD Emergency Operations Center to respond to impact of the storm, including triaging and addressing the most pressing issues at school sites. 
• Communicating essential updates with our community in a timely manner. School sites will notify parents if there are anticipated changes to their student’s school day as soon as possible. 

We strongly urge families to update their contact information on ParentVUE so that we can get in touch with them if needed. 

Please visit sf72.org for storm preparedness and safety tips from the City and County of San Francisco. 

I am taking our response to the storm very seriously, and am proud of how our community came together to help keep schools open in January, especially for our students and families furthest from access. We will remain transparent and responsive through this storm.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Wayne, SFUSD Superintendent