San Francisco Superintendent's $385k Salary Sparks Outrage During Teachers' Strike
Few observers expressed sympathy for the six-figure-earning superintendent of the San Francisco school district as she wept over school closures during a recent teachers' strike, while simultaneously sending her own children to an exclusive private institution. Maria Su encountered severe public backlash this week after revelations emerged that she commands an annual salary of $385,000, even as educators walked out of classrooms to demand improved wages, enhanced health benefits, and additional resources for students with special needs, according to local reports from KTVU.
Emotional Response and Salary Disparity
Su became visibly emotional on February 6 while discussing the potential impact of school closures on students, attempting to connect with those who opposed her actions. The superintendent, who earns approximately five times more than a tenured teacher with a decade of experience, stated: 'I know the importance of our teachers having fair and competitive and livable wages. It is expensive to be here in the city.' However, her remarks did little to quell the growing discontent among striking educators and their supporters.
Notably, Su appeared to be wearing designer footwear during public appearances and offered no substantive response when a reporter questioned her about the glaring disparity between her substantial salary and the average teacher's compensation. In a further attempt to establish common ground, Su highlighted her own background within the public school system, yet she conspicuously avoided commenting on inquiries regarding her children's attendance at a private school.
Contract Details and Potential Raise
The superintendent's official Board of Education contract indicates that she could receive a two percent salary increase in June, potentially elevating her annual earnings to $392,700, provided she meets specific performance goals and secures board approval. This potential raise has further fueled criticism, particularly as teachers negotiated for more modest wage improvements during the strike.
Teachers' Strike and Public Backlash
The teachers' strike concluded after four intense days, with students scheduled to return to classrooms on February 18. While the teachers' union ultimately expressed satisfaction with securing five percent raises over two years and fully funded family healthcare, initial reactions toward Su were particularly hostile. Educators carried signs featuring the superintendent's image while chanting demands for fairer contracts.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, one protest sign read: 'Is this rain or Maria Su's crocodile tears pretending she cares about our kids?' Another placard bluntly stated: 'Boo Su. Give us a fair contract now.' Jennifer Erskine-Ogden, an eighth-grade science teacher at Presidio Middle School who held the crocodile tears sign, told reporters: 'She knew this was coming. We've done two-strike votes. You don't cry on a Friday and pretend you care about the kids. She should have come to the table before now.'
Tentative Agreement and Resolution
Su appeared ecstatic on February 13 when announcing that the district and the teacher union had reached a tentative agreement. 'I am pleased to stand here to announce that we have a tentative agreement to get our kids back into school,' she declared. Despite this resolution, the controversy surrounding her salary, personal choices, and perceived disconnect from the struggles of public school teachers continues to generate significant public discussion and scrutiny.
