The Board of Education is comprised of seven members, elected at large to serve four-year terms. It is subject to local, state, and federal laws. The Board determines policy for all public schools, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the San Francisco Unified School District, City and County of San Francisco.

The Board of Education is responsible for establishing educational goals and standards; approving curriculum; setting the district budget, which is independent of the city's budget; confirming appointment of all personnel; and approving purchases of equipment, supplies, services, leases, renovation, construction, and union contracts. In order to manage the day-to-day administration of the district, the Board of Education appoints a superintendent of schools.