ACCOUNTABLE AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT
Progressive ideas are not the problem with dysfunctional government, including in a mayor-strong system of government like San Francisco.
Progressive policies are only as effective as a strong execution and consistent enforcement. Laws can always be updated and improved over time – but a culture of corruption, lack of intentional coordination, poor management, ignoring data-driven solutions, and a lack of transparency and community input can all set good policies up for failure. Democracies thrive in the light of civic engagement, checks and balances and public participation. Good government is a progressive value, which ensures we can deliver progress for people.
School’s In Session: Strike Lessons Learned
Following a historic strike and victory for educators and our schools, we reflect on how we got here — and how San Franciscans who rose to meet the moment can keep their advocacy going. The work isn’t done for our schools, but the outlook is positive now that people understand the scope of their power!
Building a Bridge Over the Fiscal Cliff
SFUSD leaders are telling us to run toward the "fiscal cliff" as budget cuts drive away educators and families. What if, instead, we invest the district's massive reserve fund to build a bridge to a better future?
Supporting SF Schools With REAL Numbers
We all want to support successful public schools and can agree on the need for significant investment in our public education system. Confusion stems from a lack of fluency in the District’s budget, and disagreement erupts over how much and where to make cuts.
PROPEL is publishing a report that attempts to ground the public in critical data around SFUSD’s budget. The report doesn’t address the federal attacks on education or resolve the historic lack of investment in public schools. It does set a baseline of facts as a starting point for having informed debate on how best to support a fundamental tenet of our democracy: our public schools.
Over the last five years, the District consistently predicted $453 million in budget deficits. In actuality, there’s been $336 million in surpluses. Does SFUSD have a structural deficit? Are we fighting the right crisis? Can we be doing more locally to support our students, our teachers and school communities? PROPEL is publishing a report to spur answers.