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SFUSD board hears emotional public comment as superintendent lays out 'fewer but better schools' plan
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Education spent the meeting hearing hours of public comment—many from June Jordan students, teachers and parents—before Superintendent Wayne presented a Resource Alignment Initiative that would use composite equity‑centered scores to identify schools for closure, merger or colocation. The board directed staff to strengthen outreach, mitigation and an equity audit before recommendations in September.
Vice President Matt Alexander presided over a packed San Francisco Board of Education meeting where dozens of students, parents and teachers urged the board to preserve small schools and weigh equity heavily in any proposals to close, merge or colocate schools.
Students from June Jordan School for Equity described close teacher‑student relationships and the harm they believe closures would cause. "I urge you to prioritize the preservation of small schools like June Jordan," said Allen Tello, a June Jordan student, during the public‑comment period. Teachers, union leaders and advocacy groups echoed themes of community disruption, historical harm and distrust of a rushed process.
After public comment, Superintendent Wayne presented the district's Resource Alignment Initiative, saying the district needs "fewer but better schools" so every classroom can have a qualified teacher, instructional coaches and stronger program access. The plan would produce a composite score for each school using three categories—equity, excellence and effective use of resources—with equity weighted most heavily. Staff said criteria will include proximity, program access and a neighborhood measure drawn from Opportunity Insights' upward mobility index.
Board members pressed staff for a clearer engagement plan focused on marginalized communities, better translation and direct student outreach during school hours. Commissioners repeatedly asked how the district will mitigate harm for students who would move schools—suggesting high‑dosage tutoring, navigators and guaranteed supports for students with special needs.
Superintendent Wayne and staff said they will meet twice with each potentially impacted school community, perform an equity audit on candidate portfolios before public release and return a proposed portfolio in the fall. Key dates outlined at the meeting include an August workshop, a September public portfolio reveal, a planned first reading on Nov. 12 and an action vote on Dec. 10.
The board did not vote on any portfolio recommendations at the meeting; instead commissioners provided detailed direction to staff to refine outreach, ensure the equity audit prevents disproportionate impacts, and produce clearer transition and mitigation plans.
Looking ahead, staff said they will use the summer to develop scenarios; the board and the public will have further opportunities for input before any formal decisions are presented.
