Board authorizes San Francisco International High School after lengthy public support and debate

The San Francisco Unified School District board voted Tuesday to authorize the creation of San Francisco International High School (SFIHS), an in-district small school by design intended to serve recent immigrant English language learners with a four-year, college-bound program.

Staff read a resolution describing SFIHS as an in-district small school that would "open in February at an appropriate location in a San Francisco neighborhood that draws and is accessible to a diverse immigrant population," and noted a planning-year memorandum of understanding between the district and the International Network for Public Schools. Mary Richards, the districts director of small and charter schools, said the school would start at ninth grade with an initial cohort of roughly 90 to 100 students and could grow to a small-school capacity of about 400.

Speakers from community groups, parents and students largely supported the proposal during the public comment period. "Opening San Francisco International High School in 2009 would offer a small-school college-bound option for immigrant English language students in San Francisco," said Sue England, representing small-schools advocates, who urged the board to "please vote yes on this resolution." Student Jenna Avila told the board that small schools had helped her education by giving more one-on-one time with teachers: "I believe it can further their education," she said.

District staff and presenters said the International model differs from the districts existing one-year newcomer program by providing a multi-year, comprehensive curriculum and sustained English-language development. A staff attendee said the current newcomer program is intended as a transition and that SFIHS would be a "four-year, four to six year program" designed to be college bound and to provide full access to core curriculum with specialized language supports.

Board members debated the likely enrollment impacts on other high schools and newcomer services. Commissioner concerns focused on whether the new school would draw students from established programs and cause closures or reconfigurations elsewhere. Commissioner Maher and others said the curriculum committee presentation and community outreach persuaded them that the model could succeed, while Commissioner Wynne and some others urged caution and asked for evidence that opening a new school would not simply pull students from existing district schools.

After discussion and a roll call vote, the board approved the authorization with six ayes and one recorded no. The resolution directs the district and the International Network for Public Schools to negotiate an MOU outlining planning and implementation that must comply with district policies, bargaining agreements and applicable state and federal law. Staff said the board will return to the plan for implementation details, including site selection, enrollment projections and further community outreach.