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Board delays decision on closing Community Scholars of Success Oakdale campus after public outcry
Summary
The Board postponed a motion to close the Community Scholars of Success program at Oakdale and transfer students to Civic Center after parents, advocates and staff raised concerns about notice, community impact and low-attendance data; the postponement passed by roll call to allow more outreach and documentation.
The San Francisco Board of Education on Jan. 9 postponed a planned vote to close the Community Scholars of Success (CSOS) program at the Oakdale campus and transfer remaining students to Civic Center Secondary.
Staff presented a recommendation to transfer the remaining students and close the Oakdale site effective in February, citing low average daily attendance (staff reported an average daily attendance of two students during the fall semester) and cost considerations (district was paying City College about $8,000 per year to rent the space for the program). Jim Fithian, principal for county community schools, described enrollment tracking that showed 43 students on the roll at one point and explained how students had dispersed to other programs or left the district; he said staff believed students could be better served at Civic Center and that the move would reduce costs.
Community members and advocacy groups pushed back. Sandra Fuer of Coleman Advocates said she attended the community meeting at 1800 Oakdale and raised concerns that parents had been told the meeting was not an action item and later learned it was; she said, “I can't help but feel we were lied to,” and urged the board to conduct a fuller impact analysis and engage the community further. Local parent Fia Carlos Valentino said the process felt like a “backdoor done deal” and asked the board to reconsider. Russ Peterson, curriculum specialist for county community schools, noted that CSOS is a program (not a school) and urged the board to consider where services for those students could best be provided.
Board members pressed staff for data on where students went and whether reassignment would preserve student services and staff positions. Staff said the two teachers assigned could be transferred to other positions and shared enrollment breakdowns showing students who had received certificates, exited the district, or relocated to other programs. Commissioner Kim moved to postpone the vote to the next meeting so parents could attend and provide additional documentation; the motion passed by roll call.
The postponement directs staff to return with additional documentation, outreach to affected parents and a fuller impact analysis before the board takes a final vote on closing the Oakdale campus.
