Thousands of public schoolteachers in San Francisco walked out on strike Monday. It is the city’s first public schoolteachers strike in nearly 50 years. The strike began after talks with the San Francisco Unified School District failed to settle demands for higher wages, improved health benefits, and more support for special needs students. All 120 public schools were closed. The district is offering some independent study programs for about 50,000 students. Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, said, "We are facing an affordability crisis. Family healthcare premiums of $1,500 per month are pushing excellent teachers and support staff out of our district. This week, we said enough is enough." Teachers joined picket lines after weekend negotiations failed to produce a new contract. Mayor Daniel Lurie and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi urged both sides to continue talks instead of shutting down schools. A union news conference was planned Monday morning, with a rally set for that afternoon at San Francisco City Hall. Negotiations were scheduled to resume midday Monday. Talks have been ongoing for nearly a year, focusing on fully funded family healthcare, salary raises, and filling vacant special education roles. The teachers also want policies to support homeless and immigrant students. While both sides agreed on stronger sanctuary policies, wage talks remain stalled. The union demands a 9% raise over two years. The district, facing a $100 million deficit and state oversight, says it cannot afford this. The district offered a 6% raise over three years plus possible bonuses if there is a budget surplus by 2027-28, said Superintendent Maria Su. A recent fact-finding report recommended a 6% increase over two years, backing the district’s financial concerns. Teachers argue San Francisco offers some of the lowest healthcare contributions in the Bay Area, causing many to quit. The district proposed paying 75% of Kaiser family health coverage or $24,000 yearly allowance for other plans. Mayor Lurie said city government is working with the district to support students and families during the strike. He posted, "I know everyone participating in these negotiations is committed to schools where students thrive and our educators feel truly supported, and I will continue working to ensure that." The last San Francisco teachers strike in 1979 lasted over six weeks before schools reopened, according to Mission Local.