Schools remain closed and encircled by striking teachers, principals, administrators and others as San Francisco’s first educator walkout since 1979 stretches into Day 3.
As the strike continues into mid-week, the tone projected by district staff and Superintendent Maria Su at press events has begun to sharpen, and Su’s frustration with union representatives boiled over on Wednesday morning.
Su said both yesterday and this morning that district staff and Mayor Daniel Lurie — who joined the union and the district at the bargaining table on Tuesday evening — expected to stay at the table “all night” until a deal is made. Su criticized the union for leaving late Tuesday, before its members could review the district’s counterproposal.
The district said that it offered a 10 percent wage increase for classified employees, but did not discuss the details of the back and forth between the union and the district. Yesterday, during a rally at Dolores Park, a union member shared that the district offered an increased family healthcare proposal, covering 80 percent of costs — though the union is holding out for fully funded dependent healthcare.
Both the union and the district stressed the need for “urgency” this morning — with each criticizing the other for their lack of it. “The district continues to show a lack of urgency to reach an agreement that centers on our students and their needs,” read a statement published by the union this morning. “We know there is more work to be done.”
The union has repeatedly stressed that it will not back down from its demand for fully funded family healthcare and a wage increase of 9 percent for teachers (certificated employees) and 14 percenet for classified employees, including paraeducators, technicians, and other staff members.
On Tuesday, Superintendent Su stated that it would be “impossible” to meet these demands with one-time funds from the district’s reserves, which she says could push the district into financial instability. But this morning, when asked if the district is considering dipping further into its reserves as the strike continues, Su responded, “We are considering all possibilities.” Lurie offered a similar answer on Tuesday night when asked if the city may provide funds.
The union and the district are back at the bargaining table as of 11 a.m. this morning, and are expected to negotiate throughout the day. And maybe into the night.
Until then, Mission Local has reporters around the city, covering strike actions throughout San Francisco. — Marina Newman
A clever young demonstrator at Herbert Hoover Middle School on Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by Sophia Rerucha
An early start at Hoover
At 7:45 in the morning, around 15 teachers, counselors and paraeducators gathered in front of Herbert Hoover Middle School at 14th Ave. and Santiago St., bundled up from the fog and the light rain, picket signs in hand.
By 9:30, the group had ballooned to over 50 people, including a few students, the sun shining above them, the sound of supportive honking horns reverberating down the streets. A standing drum, handheld drums, tamborines, sticks.
Educators gathered for the third day of the citywide district strike. Some educators were from neighboring Clarendon Alternative school, here to support teachers. By mid-morning, the crowed would grow to 100 or more.
“I feel energized,” said a paraeducator from Hoover. They’re dealing with four classes on top of teaching special education classes. They noted that the district often encourages a DIY solution to providing support to students, putting the responsibility on teachers. The educator feels that striking teachers’ demands have been a long time coming.
“We have no excuse for not being the best public education system in the state,” they said.
At one point in the morning, a security guard, who said they were hired by the district, came up to the group and asked if they were okay.
“The school district is paying for private security guards but they can’t just pay us a living wage,” said Max Raynar, an educator from neighboring Clarendon Elementary School.
Raynar went to negotiations yesterday and then went to Dolores Park to gather with other SFUSD educators. He said he saw teachers who taught him at SFUSD and even his own students at the rally.
“I came out from the bargaining and cried,” he said. “It was beautiful.”
Chants were led by Jeykel Mairena, an eighth grade U.S. History teacher at Hoover.
“They have money for everything,” he said. “We are not asking for much at the end of the day. All we’re asking for is a fair contract.”
At around 9:20 a.m., an educator read a negotiation update from the union bargaining team. The mention of California superintendent Tony Thurmond’s support of the strike led to cheers from the crowd.
“All of your support means so much and is what’s keeping us going,” said a member of the bargaining team and educator at Hoover, signaling to the crowd.
Several educators said the support from the community, whether it be honking horns from 48-Quintara bus operators, parents or Hoover alums, shows them how important and basic their demands are.
Educators from Herbert Hoover Middle School picketing, the rainbow in front of them. Photo by Sophia Rerucha.
A rainbow spread over the Sunset. Educators took pictures in front of it, smiling and posing.
“The rainbow is my ancestors smiling on us,” said Raynar. — Sophia Rerucha