By Pamela Cruz
Mental health and literacy services for San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) middle school students will be expanded over the next four years.
The DCYF-SFUSD Beacon Centers Middle School Mental Health Initiative will coordinate the project, which will begin at three schools beginning in fall 2021.
This was announced by San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed and Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews, who pointed out that the benefit to the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) and the School District was made possible thanks to the help of a private contribution from a willing donor.
The initiative will eventually serve students in 13 middle schools and three K-8 schools that have Beacon Centers and operate in collaboration with community organizations, they said.
A combination of funding sources, including a private contribution from a spirited donor of more than $15 million over the next four years, will allow SFUSD and DCYF to build on existing models, including the High School Wellness Centers and Beacon Centers, to improve and expand more full-service community schools.