San Francisco Schools Reopen for 49,000 Students with 95% Classrooms Staffed, 50 Vacancies; 8,000 City Workers Return to Office

San Francisco welcomed over 49,000 students back to school on August 18, 2025, marking the start of a new academic year amid ongoing challenges. The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) reported that more than 95% of classrooms had qualified teachers on the first day, with approximately 50 vacancies remaining—about half the number from the previous year. Despite this progress, the district continues to address payroll issues that have affected staff. City leaders are also focusing on broader concerns including budget management and immigration enforcement as they aim to stabilize and improve the school environment. At Willie Brown Middle School in Bayview, students were greeted with a red carpet welcome, reflecting a positive start. Meanwhile, 8,000 city workers resumed in-person work four days a week, a move seen as part of efforts to enhance government responsiveness and service delivery. Education officials and community voices emphasize San Francisco's potential to become a leading urban school district with strong outcomes for students.