California’s School Superintendent, Tony Thurmond, attempted to mediate a strike involving San Francisco teachers but quickly withdrew after making a proposal criticized as ineffective. Sources indicated that officials had committed to being part of the discussions.
Thurmond, who is also campaigning for governor, arrived in San Francisco in the morning to help end the ongoing strike that has left 50,000 students out of school since Monday. However, he didn’t make it to the negotiations and was gone by the afternoon, even as talks were just starting to unfold.
One insider noted that while Thurmond presented a façade of solving the situation, he wasn’t diving into the specifics that truly mattered.
Polling suggests that Thurmond’s popularity is quite low, standing at 3%. His brief involvement in the negotiations seemed more like a publicity stunt aimed at improving his image for the upcoming gubernatorial race.
On social media, he stated, “Although the California Department of Education does not have a formal role in these negotiations, I’m keeping in touch with all parties and am here to support informal discussions to resolve this strike.”
During the ongoing negotiations, both sides were reportedly still engaged, but some observers felt his comments were lacking substance.
Thurmond’s sudden push to be a part of the discussions did not go unnoticed by local officials, as the complicated negotiations stretched late into the evening.
He had made his way into a meeting at San Francisco’s War Memorial after a prior engagement with Mayor Daniel Lurie, but was already heading out of the city by 4:30 p.m., according to officials.
Contract discussions dragged on past 10 p.m., ending only when union leaders decided to exit abruptly.
The United Educators of San Francisco are advocating for a 9% salary increase over two years and full health benefits, arguing that a typical annual salary of about $100,000 is insufficient to live in the city. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Unified School District, confronting a $100 million deficit, claimed it cannot meet these demands.
The striking teachers encouraged parents to avoid homeschooling as part of the ongoing campaign for better wages and conditions.
Thurmond wasn’t alone in making a public appearance at the protests; other gubernatorial candidates also sought endorsements from influential teachers’ unions.
Representative Eric Swalwell visited the demonstrators, pledging his support via social media, “I will always stand with you.” Meanwhile, billionaire Tom Steyer joined the picket line, criticizing San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, labeling him “anti-union.”
Efforts to reach Thurmond’s office for additional comments have yet to receive any response.
