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Bayview supporters and union, special-education advocates clash over Mary L. Booker charter petition
Summary
A drawn-out public-comment block followed the first reading of a petition to authorize the Mary L. Booker Leadership Academy (grades 6–12). Supporters cited local choice and equity; union and special-education advisors warned of co-location impacts and special-education accountability.
The San Francisco Unified School District board received a first reading of the petition to authorize Mary L. Booker Leadership Academy, a proposed grades-6–12 charter planned for the Bayview, and heard extensive public comment both for and against the petition.
School founder Terrence Davis presented the petition and described the proposed school’s focus on community, equity and leadership. Parents, supporters and community groups urged the board to authorize the petition, arguing the new school would expand choice in neighborhoods where African American and Latino students have lagged in achievement. "We need more options and immediate remedies to the achievement gap," one parent said.
Union representatives and special-education advisors raised concerns. Alita Fisher, chair of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, cautioned that charter co-location can displace intervention rooms and services and urged the petitioners to join the district SELPA to ensure accountability for students with disabilities. United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) said the petition included language that could allow student demographic patterns to differ from district averages and called for careful review to avoid resegregation.
Other speakers raised neighborhood and facility questions, including where 420 seats would be located, how co-location might affect renovated schools, and whether the petition uses language taken from existing school plans. Several supporters said they want the school to open immediately to offer alternatives for local families.
Board members did not vote on the petition tonight; the item was a first reading and will be referred to the appropriate committees for further review. The board heard both substantive support and several procedural and special-education concerns, which staff and petitioners will need to address in subsequent hearings.
What’s next: petitioners and opponents will have further opportunity to address the board as the petition moves through committee review; the board will consider authorizing or denying the petition after required hearings.
