San Francisco teachers strike leaves 50,000 students out of school

Educators demand better wages and health benefits amid high living costs in the city

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Teachers in San Francisco's public school system have gone on strike, leaving nearly 50,000 students out of the classroom. The teachers are seeking higher wages, improved health benefits, and more resources for students with special needs as the cost of living in the city continues to rise.

Why it matters

The strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing public education in high-cost urban areas, where teachers struggle to make ends meet despite the vital role they play. It also underscores the broader tensions around school funding, teacher compensation, and the resources available to support students, especially those with additional needs.

The details

The strike involves approximately 6,000 teachers represented by the United Educators of San Francisco. The union initially asked for a 9% raise over two years, but the district countered with a 6% increase over three years, citing a $100 million budget deficit. Negotiations broke down despite intervention from the mayor and a local congresswoman. Teachers say they can't afford to live in the city on their current salaries, with some working second jobs to make ends meet.

  • The strike began on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, leaving 50,000 students out of school.
  • Negotiations between the district and the union had been ongoing for nearly a year before the strike.

The players

United Educators of San Francisco

The union representing the 6,000 striking teachers in San Francisco's public school system.

San Francisco Unified School District

The school district facing a $100 million budget deficit and under state oversight due to longstanding financial challenges.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who urged the district and union to continue negotiations and avoid a school shutdown.

Nancy Pelosi

The U.S. Representative for California's 12th congressional district, who also called for the two sides to keep talking and not close schools.

Atria Rondone

A fourth-grade teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District who has worked there for 11 years and says she has to work a second job to make ends meet.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to stand together until we win the schools our students deserve and the contracts our members deserve.”

— Cassondra Curiel, President, United Educators of San Francisco (The Associated Press)

“This is a viable offer. It is an offer that we can afford. We will be at the table and we will stay for as long as it takes to get to a full agreement. I do not want a prolonged strike.”

— Maria Su, Superintendent, San Francisco Unified School District (The Associated Press)

“As a single mom living here in San Francisco, I can't afford just me and my son on my salary. So, I have to have a second job, and his healthcare is a huge impact to me paying for that by myself. We also really need fully-staffed schools.”

— Atria Rondone, Fourth-grade teacher (Video posted by the United Educators of San Francisco)

What’s next

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.