In a recent San Francisco government meeting, community members passionately advocated for the relocation of the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts to a central location at 135 Van Ness Avenue. This discussion highlighted ongoing frustrations regarding the lack of progress on a long-promised move that has been supported by unanimous school board votes and previous bond measures.

The meeting began with a call for public comments, where several speakers expressed their concerns about the omission of the school’s relocation from the district's facilities master plan. Susan Stautner, a founding chair of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, emphasized the importance of placing an arts high school at the heart of the Civic Center Arts Corridor, arguing that it would significantly benefit the community and its young artists.

Keith Karamis, a veteran teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), echoed these sentiments, questioning why the master plan did not include the relocation of the Ruth Asawa School. He urged the district to honor its commitments to the community and to the students, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the planning process.

Alex Jones, a graduate of the South School of the Arts, highlighted the potential benefits of relocating the school, including increased access to mentorship and opportunities within the Bay Area’s vibrant arts community. He called for investment in the arts as a crucial component of education, especially in challenging times.

Sandra Halliday, a public school advocate, pointed out that the $100 million allocated for the school’s move had been reassigned, despite being a key selling point in the 2016 bond campaign. She urged the board to reinstate the funding and include the relocation in the master plan, emphasizing the community's expectations based on past promises.

Jill Wins, another long-time advocate, reinforced the need for the school’s relocation, citing the legacy of Ruth Asawa and the importance of fulfilling commitments made to voters and students. She called for action to mobilize community support and resources to ensure the project moves forward.

The meeting underscored a collective desire for accountability and progress regarding the arts education infrastructure in San Francisco. As community members await a response from the school board, the discussions reflect a broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and honoring the promises made to the city’s youth. The next steps remain uncertain, but the voices of advocates signal a strong push for change in the near future.