San Francisco Teachers Strike Concludes with Tentative Agreement
After three days of intense negotiations and widespread demonstrations, San Francisco teachers have reached a tentative agreement with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), bringing an end to the city's first teacher strike in nearly 50 years. The strike, which involved approximately 6,000 public schoolteachers, began on Monday and centered on demands for higher wages, improved family health benefits, and additional resources for students with special needs.
Strike Details and Impact
The strike led to the closure of all 120 schools in the district, affecting around 50,000 students. SFUSD offered independent study options for some students during the shutdown. Teachers joined picket lines after last-ditch negotiations failed, with notable protests including chants led by teacher Camilla He in Chinatown and large gatherings at Dolores Park and City Hall. In a striking visual display, teachers and students formed a human banner spelling out 'STRIKE' at Ocean Beach on February 11, 2026.
Negotiations and Key Demands
The union and district had been negotiating for nearly a year. Teachers demanded fully funded family health care, salary raises, and the filling of vacant positions impacting special education services. Specifically, the union asked for a 9% raise over two years, which would cost an additional $92 million annually, potentially sourced from reserve funds. However, SFUSD, facing a $100 million deficit and under state oversight due to financial crises, countered with a 6% wage increase over three years, along with bonuses if a surplus is achieved by the 2027-28 school year.
Health Care and Financial Constraints
A neutral fact-finding panel recently recommended a compromise of a 6% increase over two years, aligning with the district's financial constraints. On health care, the union highlighted that San Francisco teachers receive some of the lowest contributions in the Bay Area, leading to retention issues. The district offered two options: paying 75% of family coverage through Kaiser or providing a $24,000 annual allowance for teachers to choose their own plans.
Resolution and Reopening
With the tentative agreement in place, schools will reopen to staff on Friday and to students on Wednesday, following two holidays. This resolution marks a significant step in addressing teacher concerns while navigating the district's fiscal challenges, aiming to restore stability to San Francisco's education system.
