SFUSD Plans Major Overhaul of Enrollment System and School Portfolio
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is planning significant changes to its enrollment system, aiming for a new method by 2028 to replace the current lottery system which has led to inequities. Additionally, the district will evaluate its school…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 17, 2026 —
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is embarking on a significant transformation of its educational landscape, with plans to overhaul its student enrollment system and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its school portfolio. These initiatives are set to reshape how students are assigned to schools and potentially impact the future of several campuses within the district.
Central to these changes is the development of a new enrollment system, slated to be implemented by 2028. The district aims to replace the current lottery-based method, which has been identified as a source of inequities for students. The specifics of the new system are still under development, but the stated goal is to create a more equitable process for all families.
In parallel with the enrollment system reform, SFUSD will also undertake a thorough evaluation of its school portfolio. This process could lead to significant decisions regarding the district’s physical infrastructure, potentially resulting in the closure or merger of some school campuses. The district has not yet detailed the criteria or timeline for this evaluation.
These forward-looking initiatives emerge after a period marked by considerable challenges for SFUSD. The district has faced public scrutiny and internal difficulties, including a previously attempted school closure plan that encountered significant opposition and a disruptive teachers’ strike. These past events appear to have informed the district’s current strategic direction, emphasizing a need for systemic reform and careful consideration of its resources and operations.
The district has indicated that the development of the new enrollment system is a priority, with a target implementation date of 2028. Further details regarding the evaluation of the school portfolio and the potential outcomes for individual schools are expected to be released as these processes unfold.
Story summarized from the original created by Steph Rodriguez on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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