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Board raises kindergarten target to 22 and authorizes new Chinese language program at former D'Avila site
Summary
Faced with a sudden spike in kindergarten demand, the board authorized raising the class-size target to 22 for kindergarten (and in limited first-grade cases) and approved creation of a new Chinese language program at 1351 Haight Street (D'Avila) after amending language to allow flexibility on immersion models.
The board approved staff recommendations to manage a sharp increase in kindergarten demand for the 2009–10 school year by (1) establishing a temporary class-size target of 22 students for kindergarten and, on a limited basis, first grade, and (2) creating a new Chinese language program at the former D'Avila Elementary campus at 1351 Haight Street.
Staff reported receiving 4,330 Round 1 kindergarten applications (an increase over the prior year) and projecting that final in‑August enrollment could reach roughly 5,000 kindergarten students. Facilities staff described the D'Avila site as serviceable for K/1 instruction while City College completes its John Adams campus work; the fire marshal and facilities team outlined separation and safety measures for the period of shared occupancy through December.
Board discussion included concerns from United Educators of San Francisco (contract implications) and parents about pedagogy (Cantonese vs. Mandarin, dual immersion vs. one-way immersion) and outreach to nearby neighborhoods. In response to those questions, the board accepted an amendment: the agenda language was changed from “creating a new Chinese dual immersion program” to “creating a new Chinese language program,” allowing staff time to work with parents and curriculum staff to determine the exact model and to ensure recruitment from surrounding neighborhoods.
The board voted to adopt the amended motion; staff will work with city partners and community groups on outreach, finalize program design, and assign implementation and a project manager to support the new site.
