Even as indoor gyms and bowling alleys prepare to reopen in San Francisco, there is no date for when public school students can get back to class.
Students, parents and teachers came out in droves to say their piece at a marathon meeting of the Board of Education.
“We do not anticipate bringing students back before the end of the calendar year,” said Superintendent Vincent Matthews, despite Mayor Breed's announcement Tuesday that middle schools may be able to open by the end of the month and high schools are on track to open by mid-November.
“We’re grateful that the district is taking the time and listening to scientists and making sure our buildings are safe before we go back,” said Tara, a teacher and parent.
But others vehemently disagreed.
“Private schools are opening; public schools are not. That is the definition of inequity right there. We’re moving into a two tier, two class society,” said one parent.
“I am so frustrated and so upset with how the Board of Education is handling reopening in SF. It is unacceptable,” said Melanie, a parent.
The heated debate came on the same night the board unanimously voted to change the admissions policy at the prestigious Lowell High School. The board is replacing the merit-based application process with a lottery system for the school year starting in 2021 because grades and tests are on hold.
The board voted in favor of the change despite passionate opposition, but parent Joe Dimento said, “that’s not the priority - get kids back in class.”
The new policy is just for one year but looks likely to come up for further debate in future.