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SFUSD briefs board on court and county schools, highlighting attendance and credit-recovery programs
Summary
District leaders and principals described Woodside Learning Center, Civic Center Secondary and other court/county programs, citing attendance challenges for at‑risk students and new initiatives such as Cyber High, GED/CHSPE options and arts partnerships to increase engagement.
District staff and principals detailed services for students placed in court and county schools, describing a range of academic and behavioral supports aimed at improving attendance and credit accrual for high‑risk youth.
Associate Superintendent Jeannie Pawn introduced Jim Fifi (principal, county schools) and Kevin Kerr (principal, court schools). Fifi reported program figures and operation notes, including placement sources (probation, truancy and safety transfers) and the addition of GED/CHSPE and career education programs to address students with low credits. He said enrollment placement data showed 128 students had been placed at Civic Center from August 28 to March 13 with varied reasons for placement.
Principals described instructional strategies for short student stays at Woodside Learning Center (Juvenile Hall) — a "5‑day lesson plan" to ensure meaningful learning when students rotate in and out — and the new facility’s improved environment compared with the old juvenile hall. Civic Center's principal described a core‑group model, daily counseling and the use of Cyber High for credit recovery; he cited average daily attendance near 51.17 and described intensive wraparound supports (school psychologist, counseling, ART — Aggression Replacement Training) to help students stabilize and transition back to mainstream schools.
Board members asked about safety for students traveling across the city, mentoring and follow‑up tracking once students return to regular schools. Staff said they have interagency case meetings, outreach to probation and community partners, and case management for transitions; officials also noted plans to convene local and national experts to guide a curriculum redesign focused on these highest‑need students.
