SFUSD pulls back OpenAI deal proposal amid labor negotiations

San Francisco school officials quickly retreated from a proposed partnership with OpenAI this week after the deal surfaced during ongoing contract negotiations with the district’s teachers union.

The San Francisco Unified School District had quietly floated a collaboration with the ChatGPT maker that would have brought artificial intelligence tools into classrooms across the city’s public schools. But district leadership pulled the proposal after union representatives raised concerns about the timing and lack of transparency around the potential agreement.

The proposed deal comes as SFUSD negotiates new contracts with United Educators of San Francisco, which represents roughly 6,000 teachers, counselors and other school staff. Union officials said they learned about the OpenAI discussions through informal channels rather than official district communications.

“We’re already at the table talking about working conditions and educational resources,” said one union representative who requested anonymity because negotiations are ongoing. “Introducing AI tools without including educators in those conversations sends the wrong message.”

SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick confirmed the district had “preliminary discussions” with OpenAI but emphasized no formal agreement was reached. The district serves about 50,000 students across more than 130 schools, from the Richmond District to the Mission.

OpenAI, headquartered in the Mission District, has been expanding its education partnerships as school districts nationwide grapple with how to integrate AI tools. The company recently announced similar collaborations with districts in Los Angeles and Chicago, though details about classroom implementation remain limited.

The timing proved particularly sensitive given ongoing labor tensions. SFUSD teachers have been working without a contract since their previous agreement expired in June. Negotiations have stalled over salary increases, class size limits and professional development funding.

“Any major technology initiative needs to be part of our broader conversations about supporting students and educators,” said UESF President Cassondra Curiel in a statement.

The district’s quick reversal reflects broader skepticism about AI in education. Teachers nationwide have expressed concerns about student privacy, academic integrity and the potential for technology to replace human instruction rather than enhance it.

SFUSD officials said they remain open to exploring AI partnerships but will prioritize input from educators and families before moving forward with any agreements.