SFUSD board approves renaming of Academy of Arts and Sciences to Academy San Francisco at McAteer

After a community process and a Rules Committee review, the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a superintendent‑sponsored resolution to permanently rename the Academy of Arts and Sciences as the Academy San Francisco at McAteer.

Assistant Superintendent Bill Sanderson and Principal Greg Markwith described a nearly two‑year process driven by the school site council, with input from students, staff and families and an internal ranking and selection process consistent with board naming policy. Sanderson said the request responded to the school's evolution from a 'school‑within‑a‑school' model to an independent program with its own CDS code and identity.

Several commissioners expressed support for the name change while asking for clearer public communications and an agendaed discussion about curricular focus and how the renamed academy will serve historically disadvantaged students. Commissioner Winns and others said they had not seen some prior curriculum committee materials and asked staff to agendize discussions at the first curriculum committee meeting to clarify the academy's instructional mission and accountability.

The board recorded a roll‑call vote approving the name change (7 ayes). Superintendent Carranza and board members committed to follow‑up committee work to ensure the public and board remained informed about programmatic changes accompanying the name change.