Why are these SFUSD schools being closed or merged?
Previously, SFUSD framed the closures and mergers as a way to address declining enrollment — which the district said has decreased by over 4,000 students since the school year 2012–13 — rather than a money-saving strategy. Last month, Wayne said in a statement that “by aligning the number of schools we operate with our current enrollment, SFUSD can manage resources more effectively and ensure every school is fully enrolled and well-supported” and that “while having fewer schools may reduce our operating costs, the primary focus is on creating better learning environments for all students, not budget cuts.”
But in a video posted online on Monday, Wayne said that SFUSD was in the middle of a “serious budget crisis that we need to address now, to ensure that we are maintaining local control” and to avoid a state takeover. He also admitted that “we have not always been clear about the connection between our fiscal stabilization plan and school closures and mergers” and promised that the Tuesday list announcement would provide more context.
“The state has escalated its oversight and is watching us closely, and so the decisions we make in the coming months are going to mean the difference between the state recognizing we’ve made progress and feeling like it needs to intervene more,” Wayne said in his video message. “This budget crisis means significant reductions for the [2025–26] school year. It is within this context that we are also making decisions about school closures.”
Read all of KQED’s coverage of SFUSD and the budget crisis.
What are the criteria SFUSD will use to determine whether a school should close?
SFUSD has 10 factors it is considering when evaluating whether a school should be closed or merged, which range from the density of schools in a given neighborhood and historical inequities to academic performance, demand and enrollment, and building conditions.
You can view the full list of SFUSD’s criteria.
What are the key dates I should know about the SFUSD closures?
- Oct. 14-Nov. 1: SFUSD will meet with the 13 schools proposed for closure or merger
- Oct. 19: SFUSD holds its annual Enrollment Fair
- Nov. 12: A proposal for which SFUSD schools will be closed or merged will be brought to the Board of Education
- Dec. 10: The Board of Education will take action on deciding the final list
- Dec. 12: The Board of Education will meet again to discuss plans
- Jan. 31, 2025: Main Round Applications are due for SFUSD schools (Ruth Asawa School for the Arts and Lowell High School have separate deadline of Dec. 13)
- June 4, 2025: Last day of SFUSD instruction, when the finalized list of schools will be closed or merged.
Read through our SFUSD archives.
I have questions about SFUSD’s decision-making. Where can I get answers?
Wayne will hold an hourlong virtual town hall on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 5:30 p.m., where you can ask questions. More town halls will be held on Oct. 24 and Nov. 6.
We’ll add more details on how you can submit those questions when we have more information.
Why has this closure list been pushed back so many times?
The announcement comes days after a KQED story suggested that the highly anticipated list might be delayed again.
It was originally expected in mid-September before Wayne pushed it back a month, just two days before it was scheduled to be released, saying the district needed more time to thoroughly review some aspects of the plan.
Reporting last week also suggested it might not happen until after the November election.
Tell us: What else do you need to know?
We know this is an intense, frustrating time for affected families and educators. So tell us: What do you need to know more about when it comes to these SFUSD closures and mergers?
Tell us below, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. We can’t respond to everyone personally, but what you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too. We may also reach back out to hear more about your particular situation.