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Board votes to rename Nourse Auditorium for Sydney Goldstein after public testimony
Summary
Following testimony from arts organizations, alumni and community leaders, the SFUSD board approved a resolution Dec. 11 to rename the Nourse Auditorium (275 Hayes Street) the Sydney Goldstein Theatre in recognition of Goldstein’s restoration and arts education work.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted Dec. 11 to rename the Nourse (Norris) Auditorium at 275 Hayes Street the Sydney Goldstein Theatre, honoring the late City Arts & Lectures founder for her decades of arts programming and work restoring the theatre.
Commissioner Rachel Norton sponsored the resolution, which noted Goldstein’s 37‑year programming record and her role in fundraising and renovating the auditorium. Community figures — including a judge, arts leaders and long‑time friends and colleagues — described Goldstein’s role in returning the theater to public use and reserving thousands of free tickets annually for teachers and students.
Board action: After public comment in favor from a range of arts‑community speakers, the board approved the renaming by roll call vote with six recorded ayes.
Context and next steps: Speakers and commissioners stressed that while the theater remains under renovation and not yet usable for all student activities, the renaming recognizes the partnership between City Arts & Lectures and the district. Sandra Halliday and others urged follow‑through to ensure the facility is accessible to SFUSD students once renovations conclude.
Quote: "Nothing would be more fitting than naming the venue the Sydney Goldstein Theatre," said Carrie Shulman, the city’s former director of municipal arts funding, during public comment.
The vote concluded a public hearing; district staff said signage and a commemorative plaque will be installed per board policy on facility namings.
