San Francisco Schools Close as Teachers Strike Over Contract Dispute

Roughly 50,000 students impacted as union and district fail to reach agreement on wages, benefits, and staffing

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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San Francisco public schools were closed on Monday after contract negotiations between the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the United Educators of San Francisco union collapsed, leading to the city's first teachers strike since 1979. Union leaders said the district's proposals fell short on key issues like wages, healthcare benefits, and special education staffing, despite some progress on policies like sanctuary schools.

Why it matters

The teachers strike disrupts education for tens of thousands of San Francisco students and highlights ongoing tensions between the district and its educators over compensation and working conditions. The inability to reach an agreement raises concerns about the district's financial health and the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in an expensive city.

The details

The walkout began after principals, administrators, custodians, and other staff announced sympathy strikes, widening the school closures. SFUSD said talks have been ongoing since March 2025 and pointed to a worsening financial situation, proposing a 3% wage increase effective July 2025 followed by another 3% raise in July 2026. However, union President Cassondra Curiel criticized the district's pace, saying officials lacked urgency despite repeated assurances of a serious offer.

  • The walkout marks the city's first teachers strike since 1979.
  • Negotiations have been ongoing since March 2025.
  • SFUSD has proposed a 3% wage increase effective July 2025 and another 3% raise in July 2026.

The players

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)

The public school district serving the city of San Francisco, responsible for the education of roughly 50,000 students.

United Educators of San Francisco

The labor union representing teachers and other educators in the San Francisco public school system.

Cassondra Curiel

The president of the United Educators of San Francisco union.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco, who said city departments would provide free meals and limited child care during the school closures.

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What they’re saying

“We were ready to finally hear that the district was prepared to come to an agreement, but the proposals just didn't go far enough.”

— Cassondra Curiel, President, United Educators of San Francisco (¡Que Onda Magazine!)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Negotiations remained unresolved as the strike continued, and the judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.