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Parents urge SFUSD to restore transitional kindergarten or allow waivers after late cancellation
Summary
Dozens of parents and students told the board Feb. 14 that a district decision to cancel planned transitional kindergarten (TK) or to restrict admissions leaves children born in November/December unable to enroll; speakers asked the board to grant waivers so affected children may enter kindergarten in the upcoming lottery cycle.
A large group of parents and students urged the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education on Feb. 14 to restore the district's previously advertised transitional kindergarten program or to allow age waivers for children born near the new birthday cutoff.
Speakers said the district promoted TK through January 25 and that some families toured schools and applied expecting a TK seat. Parents reported learning only days before the close of enrollment that the district would not offer the program as originally described; they described scrambling to find alternative preschool placements and cited personal financial burdens (one speaker estimated more than $15,000 in private preschool costs).
Several commenters (Maria Maldonado, Christina Azocar, Forrest Gray, Cassandra Sweet and others) asked the board to allow November/December 1 children to enter regular kindergarten or to accept waivers that would preserve the placements parents were promised and permit participation in the first-round assignment lottery. Speakers referenced state guidance and said the governor's office indicated districts that approved waivers would generate ADA funding for those 'young five' children.
Board members asked staff clarifying questions about who applied, which memo or website notice informed families, and whether the district's alternative plan complied with state law. Speakers pressed for a timely decision so families could be included in the school-assignment process.
No final action or vote on a waiver policy was recorded at the meeting; the public comment period closed with requests for staff follow-up.
