Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Charter Renewal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears hours of testimony, approves Gateway High School charter renewal
Summary
After nearly an hour of testimony from students, teachers, alumni and parents describing Gateway High School—s small-class model and college counseling supports, the Board voted to grant the school—s five-year renewal petition under California Education Code §47605.
The Board of Education of the San Francisco Unified School District voted to grant Gateway High School—s renewal petition after extended public testimony and a read-aloud of the superintendent—s recommendation.
Michael Davis, the superintendent—s designee, read the resolution authorizing the board to either grant or deny the renewal under California Education Code section 47605 and noted that the petition had received positive recommendations from the curriculum, program and budget committees. Davis also said petitioners offered to submit an amendment ensuring the petition meets local control funding formula and Local Control Accountability Plan requirements.
Students, teachers, alumni and parents gave the bulk of the testimony in support. Ramon Gomez, speaking as Gateway—s senior class president, described Gateway as "a phenomenal school" with classes of about 24 students and urged the board to "grant Gateway's renewal petition." Teacher Diana Sanchez and several alumni and parents described small professional learning groups, intensive college counseling and a culture that they said had helped students succeed academically and socially. Director of college counseling Joel Ranjell told the board Gateway—s "post-secondary success is central to Gateway's mission" and urged the board to allow the school to continue its work.
Speakers highlighted concrete features they said set Gateway apart: small class sizes (about 24 students), sustained college counseling (one-year sequences and a Director of College Counseling role), and multiple examples of alumni success. Several speakers asked the board to consider the effect that losing the school would have on students who they said need that level of individualized support.
After public comment and a brief period for board members to note committee recommendations, the board conducted a roll-call vote and approved the renewal (roll-call reported as 5 ayes). The resolution as read on the record remains the district—s formal action and the petitioners will follow up as described on required LCFF/LCAP addenda.
The board noted the petition—s committee endorsements and the superintendent—s recommendation before voting; no amendment or alternate outcome was recorded on the floor. The renewal allows Gateway to continue operating under its charter subject to standard district oversight and legal requirements.
