FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2022

CONTACT: Taseen Shamim
PHONE: (323) 848-9801/MOBILE: (626) 321-7340/EMAIL: tshamim@wearerally.com

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WHAT:

Award presentation for Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne on supporting a positive school climate for LGBTQ+ and all students in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), based on the findings featured in the 2022 Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card, released by the Equality California Institute on Oct. 11. 

The Report Card collects and shares district–level efforts to implement and adhere to legal requirements and best practices around school climate issues in California. San Francsico Unified School District is one of 19 districts awarded the title of  “Spotlight” districts –the highest designation offered – for their outstanding efforts around five factors: school climate, cultural competency training, transgender and gender-nonconforming student supports, curriculum, and suicide prevention. The nine out of 19 spotlight districts located in the Bay Area/Northern California region include: San Francisco, Oakland, Pittsburg, Cabrillo, Elk Grove, Winters Joint, Kelseyville, Monterey, and Peninsula. Dr. Matt Wayne, Superintendent, will accept the award on behalf  of San Francisco Unified School District.

 

WHO:    

• Dr. Matt Wayne, San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent
• Chris Negri, Program Director for Safe Schools at Equality California Institute
• San Francisco Unified School District educators and staff 
• San Francisco Unified School District student 

               

 WHEN:

Tuesday, October 18, 2022
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PST

 

WHERE:

San Francisco Unified School District 

Irving G. Breyer Board Meeting Room

555 Franklin St

San Francisco, CA 94102

 

WHY:  

• On October 11, National Coming Out Day, Equality California Institute released its 2022 Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card, which shines a light on successes and challenges that California unified school districts experience in implementing LGBTQ-inclusive programs and policies. 

• San Francsico Unified School District is one of 19 districts awarded the title of  “Spotlight” districts –the highest designation offered – for their outstanding efforts around school climate, cultural competency training, transgender and gender-nonconforming student supports, curriculum, and suicide prevention. Data was gathered through a survey distributed to all 343 unified school districts throughout the state and reflects the self-reported answers of the 118 districts that responded.
• School climate has a direct impact on student outcomes: 
  • When LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school, they are more likely to drop out, skip classes, score lower grades, and encounter the criminal justice system. 
  • Positive school climates characterized by low fear and high trust are linked to decreased dropout rates, and improved motivation, achievement, and mental and behavioral student health.

HOW:

For additional information* please contact Taseen Shamim at tshamim@wearerally.com or at 626.321.7340

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