San Francisco Unified School District is expanding the use of artificial intelligence tools across its schools, with technology from Salesforce and OpenAI available to about 12,000 staff members. Superintendent Maria Su supports further teacher training, while educators and parents have raised concerns about transparency, workload and evidence of academic benefits.
Key Takeaways
- SFUSD has introduced Salesforce-backed technology and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu to about 12,000 teachers and staff.
- Superintendent Maria Su has called for educators to be trained to use AI tools appropriately in classrooms.
- Salesforce announced $18 million in new grants supporting SFUSD and other school districts.
- More than 1,000 parents and teachers have signed a petition calling for limits on AI tools and student screen time.
- SFUSD has already used an AI-powered reading tutoring tool as an optional supplement to classroom instruction.
SFUSD Expands AI Tools Across Its Schools
The San Francisco Unified School District has expanded access to artificial intelligence tools for teachers and staff as Superintendent Maria Su promotes greater use of technology in classrooms.
SFUSD signed a contract with OpenAI earlier in 2026 to deploy ChatGPT Edu to 12,000 teachers and staff. The district is also working with Salesforce, which has provided financial support for SFUSD and other school districts.
The district’s technology efforts extend beyond generative AI. SFUSD has also used Amira, an AI-powered reading tutoring tool, as an optional supplement to its curriculum. The district says the tool is used to help students practice reading fluency.
SFUSD’s approach includes guidance for classroom use of generative and agent-based AI. District recommendations cover uses such as lesson planning and student art while also identifying concerns related to inaccurate AI-generated information and student privacy.
The district is developing a broader technology and AI policy. The policy is scheduled for a school board vote on March 9, 2027.
SFUSD’s approach is part of a wider Bay Area discussion about classroom technology. Earlier this year, Palo Alto parents sought limits on classroom technology including generative AI, while district officials considered restrictions on student device use.
The expansion places AI tools directly within the operations of a large urban school district, affecting teachers and staff who may use the technology for instructional and administrative tasks.
Maria Su Promotes Teacher Training for AI
Su has argued that teachers need to understand the tools being introduced into classrooms and receive training on their use.
During a September appearance at Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, Su discussed the use of technology and AI products in public schools. She said educators need to understand the tools made available to students and be trained to use them properly.
Su also emphasized the importance of maintaining human relationships in classrooms while discussing the use of new technology.
Her position comes as SFUSD develops formal guidance governing artificial intelligence and student screen use. The district has said it recognizes the need for clear guidance as AI technologies change.
The district’s existing recommendations allow classroom uses of tools such as ChatGPT while warning educators about inaccuracies and privacy concerns.
Su’s comments also connect AI adoption with teacher preparation. Rather than treating access to technology as the only requirement, the district has identified educator training as part of its approach to classroom technology.
The training question is particularly relevant because AI tools can be used for different purposes across schools. Teachers may encounter applications involving lesson preparation, tutoring, writing assistance, student projects or other classroom activities.
SFUSD’s policy work is expected to establish additional guidance for those uses when the school board considers the district’s comprehensive technology and AI policy.
Salesforce and OpenAI Tools Reach District Staff
Salesforce’s relationship with SFUSD predates the current AI rollout. The company has supported San Francisco and Oakland public schools through philanthropic grants, including $18 million in new grants announced in September.
Salesforce has provided more than $156 million to schools since 2013, according to information included in the district’s technology discussions. A previous $13 million donation to San Francisco and Oakland public schools was announced in October 2025.
The company’s technology portfolio includes AI products, while its philanthropic support for SFUSD has included efforts to train teachers to incorporate AI into lesson plans.
OpenAI is separately involved through SFUSD’s ChatGPT Edu deployment. The district’s contract provides access to the education-focused version of ChatGPT for approximately 12,000 teachers and staff.
OpenAI’s San Francisco operations have also remained closely tied to the city’s technology ecosystem, including its recently reported San Francisco office expansion.
The two relationships give SFUSD access to technology from major companies while the district develops its own policies governing artificial intelligence and classroom technology.
Salesforce has said its support does not require schools to use particular technology products. The company has also said it does not determine how or whether its technology is used by schools.
SFUSD’s technology policy is intended to provide a district-level framework for these tools. The policy process includes consideration of student screen use and artificial intelligence.
The district has already established some recommendations for educators. Those guidelines acknowledge that AI systems can produce inaccurate information and raise privacy considerations.
Teachers and Parents Raise Concerns About AI Use
The expansion of AI tools has drawn concerns from some San Francisco teachers and parents, particularly around transparency, consultation, costs, workload and evidence of student benefits.
More than 1,000 parents and teachers have signed a petition calling for limits on AI tools and restrictions on student screen time.
Parent advocates have said they want greater transparency from the district and more opportunities for parents to participate in the development of technology policies.
Some educators have also questioned whether SFUSD has provided enough evidence showing that AI tools improve student outcomes.
The concerns extend to the district’s use of Amira, the AI reading tutor introduced as an optional supplemental tool for reading-fluency practice.
Teachers have raised concerns about the effect of AI tutoring on workload and student-teacher interaction. Critics have also questioned the tool’s performance for some students with accents or speech impediments.
SFUSD has described Amira as an optional supplement rather than a replacement for classroom instruction. The California Department of Education approved the tool in December 2024.
The debate also includes questions about student learning. AI tools can provide automated assistance, but educators and parents have asked the district to establish clear standards for their use and assess their effects on students.
Those concerns are separate from opposition to technology generally. Teacher and parent representatives have said they are not opposed to technology tools but want greater participation in decisions about their use.
The discussion also follows changes in the way young people can access AI products outside school. OpenAI recently introduced ChatGPT safeguards for teen users, adding another layer to the questions educators and families face around student use of generative AI.
SFUSD’s Classroom Technology Efforts Continue
SFUSD’s AI strategy combines existing classroom tools, new technology deployments and development of district-wide policy.
The district’s use of AI-powered tutoring predates the current expansion of ChatGPT Edu. Amira has been used to support reading fluency, while newer AI tools are available to teachers and staff across the district.
The district’s recommendations permit uses of generative AI for tasks including lesson planning and student art. They also advise educators to account for inaccurate AI responses and student privacy.
The planned technology and AI policy will provide another stage in the district’s approach. The school board is scheduled to vote on the comprehensive policy in March 2027.
Until then, SFUSD’s existing guidance and technology deployments remain part of the district’s classroom strategy.
The district’s approach also involves outside technology companies. Salesforce has provided substantial philanthropic support, while OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu is being used by teachers and staff.
For educators, the district’s emphasis on training means professional development will remain part of its technology strategy. For parents and teachers who have raised concerns, the policy process provides a point for addressing questions about screen use, privacy, costs and student outcomes.
The district has said it recognizes the need for clear guidance on artificial intelligence and student screen use. Its existing recommendations provide a framework for current classroom applications while the broader policy is developed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SFUSD using AI in San Francisco schools?
SFUSD is using AI tools for several education-related purposes, including lesson planning, student activities and reading-fluency practice. The district has also deployed ChatGPT Edu to teachers and staff.
Which AI tools is SFUSD providing to staff?
SFUSD has deployed OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu to approximately 12,000 teachers and staff. The district has also used Salesforce-supported technology and the AI reading tutor Amira.
How many SFUSD staff members have access to AI tools?
Approximately 12,000 SFUSD teachers and staff members have access to ChatGPT Edu through the district’s agreement with OpenAI.
What concerns have San Francisco teachers raised about classroom AI?
Teachers and parent advocates have raised concerns about transparency, consultation, workload, student screen time, privacy and whether AI tools produce measurable academic benefits.
Who is SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su?
Maria Su is the superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District. She has advocated for teacher training on AI tools while the district develops a comprehensive technology and AI policy.
