The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has released a list of 13 schools that could close or merge by the end of this school year. This decision comes as the district struggles with a budget crisis and fewer students enrolling.
According to SFUSD, three schools could close completely, while eight others would merge with nearby schools. Two schools would remain open and take in students from the schools that close. The district says these changes are necessary because they don’t have enough money to keep all the schools open, and enrollment numbers are dropping.
The district has seen a steady decline in student enrollment in recent years, driven by several factors, including the high cost of living in San Francisco, the ongoing housing crisis, and families moving out of the city. With fewer students enrolled, the district receives less funding from the state, adding further pressure to an already strained budget.
While the district has stressed the need for restructuring, the potential closures and mergers have raised concerns about how the changes will affect students’ education, particularly in underserved communities. Families are worried about the disruption caused by the closure of neighborhood schools, the increased travel time for students, and the potential overcrowding at the welcoming and merged schools.
The district will hold a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for community members to provide input. The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the final decision on December 10.
