New School of San Francisco charter petition presented; referred to Budget & Curriculum Committee

San Francisco — The board heard a first reading of a charter petition for the New School of San Francisco and referred the petition to the Budget and Curriculum Committee for deeper review and action.

Ryan Chapman, presenting the petition, described the proposed school as a K–12 public charter focused on "learning by doing," equity and community partnerships. "When fully developed, the New School of San Francisco will be a diverse K–12 public charter school that puts learning by doing equity and community at the center of a child's education," Chapman said, noting the petition team had held "50 plus conversations" with parents, educators and community organizations.

Chapman said the proposal aims to partner with the district and local institutions (he specifically referenced a proposed museum partnership with the Exploratorium) and invited board members to upcoming Budget and Curriculum Committee meetings in October.

A parent who participated in the petitioners' summer pilot, Nelida Covarrueas, spoke about her sons' experience in a two‑week pop‑up program. "Our experience with the new school over the summer was really amazing. We saw progress with our two sons. They were enthusiastic. They were excited to learn," Covarrueas said.

President Feuer stated she would refer the superintendent's petition (149‑9 SP1) to the Budget and Curriculum Committee and noted two speakers were scheduled for testimony on the item. The referral places the petition on the committee track for staff review and committee recommendation before full‑board action at a future meeting.

Next steps: the Budget and Curriculum Committee will review the petition and related materials; petitioners were invited to committee meetings in early October for further discussion.