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SFUSD approves Bayview Essential School as an in‑district small school
Summary
The Board of Education unanimously approved a staff-substitute motion to create the Bayview Essential School for Music, Art and Social Justice as an in‑district small school, directing district staff to negotiate a five‑year partnership agreement with the Coalition for Essential Small Schools and to meet district policy and legal requirements.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a substitute motion to establish the Bayview Essential School (BES) for Music, Art and Social Justice as an in‑district small school. The substitute motion (Superintendent's proposal 79‑25 SP1) authorizes the district to work with the Coalition for Essential Small Schools (CES) on a five‑year partnership and requires the new school to comply with district small‑school policy, bargaining agreements and applicable laws.
Why it mattered: board members and community speakers framed the vote as a chance to incorporate a successful charter‑model design into the district while preserving district oversight and staff protections. Supporters emphasized strong community partnerships and the school’s focus on place‑based learning and college preparation.
What was proposed: staff presented the substitute motion specifying that BES would open at an appropriate Bayview or Hunters Point location and that the district and CES would negotiate a partnership that ensures compliance with district policy and accountability for equity and achievement outcomes.
Public testimony and board discussion: Dennis Kelly (United Educators of San Francisco) and other supporters argued the school belongs within the district rather than outside as a charter, and commissioners thanked community partners and staff for significant outreach and negotiation. Several commissioners asked for regular updates to the curriculum committee and attention to enrollment and location issues during implementation.
Vote and next steps: the board voted in favor of the substitute motion by roll call (unanimous). Staff were asked to provide regular updates and to coordinate implementation details, including the partnership agreement and location.
