SFUSD's Matt Wayne resigns amid school closure controversy
- Superintendent Matt Wayne resigned from the San Francisco Unified School District amid significant budget shortfall issues.
- The district announced a cease to the planned closures and nominated Maria Su as the new Superintendent.
- Mayor London Breed emphasized the importance of community support and the need for careful financial decision-making moving forward.
In October 2024, San Francisco, USA, witnessed a significant leadership change within its school district. Superintendent Matt Wayne stepped down amidst a controversial climate surrounding plans to close or merge several schools due to a substantial budget deficit. The district had identified over a dozen schools for potential closure in efforts to balance the budget and prevent a state takeover. Following Wayne's resignation, the district announced that these closures would be halted, with Maria Su nominated to take over as the new Superintendent. Su had been previously involved with the district as part of a stabilization team aimed at addressing ongoing challenges. San Francisco's Mayor London Breed expressed her concerns over the proposed closures, emphasizing that the current process had lost its intended purpose. She acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead to maintain fiscal stability within the educational system. This leadership transition and the moratorium on school closures indicate a pivotal moment for the San Francisco Unified School District as it grapples with balancing educational needs and fiscal responsibilities.