Introduction Link to this section
Oct. 20, 2026 Message from SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su to Families: Link to this section
Historic Step Toward a Great Neighborhood School for Every Student
Oct. 13, 2026 Press Release: Link to this section
Introduction: Link to this section
SFUSD is changing how students are assigned to elementary schools. On October 13, 2026, the Board of Education voted to replace the current lottery with a neighborhood-based system. Under the proposed policy, every family would be guaranteed a seat at a school near home, no matter when they apply. Families could still apply to citywide programs, such as language programs and K-8 schools. We are making this change because families have told us the current process feels complicated and unpredictable. Where your child goes to school should not come down to luck.
The Board’s vote sets a direction. It is not the final policy. Over the next few months, we will meet with families in their schools and neighborhoods, in many languages, to work out the details. The Board will hold its final vote on April 13, 2027. Nothing changes for current families. The new system will start with students who enroll in the 2028-29 school year.
A new assignment system is only part of the work. Every child deserves a strong school close to home, so we also plan to invest in schools in every neighborhood, starting with those that have been the most underserved.
What has been decided?
On October 13, 2026, the Board of Education voted to move SFUSD to a neighborhood-based system for assigning elementary school students. It will replace the current lottery. This is a direction, not the final policy.
How would the new system work?
Every family would be assigned to an elementary school based on their home address, no matter when they apply. That includes families who apply late. Families can also request citywide schools and programs, such as K-8, language immersion, and special day classes. Placement in these schools will be determined by a lottery.
What is still being decided?
The district will work with families on:
- Which schools serve which addresses (attendance areas)
- How seats in citywide schools are assigned when there are more applicants than spaces (tiebreakers)
- Language and special education program placement
The Board of Education will vote on a final plan with all these details on April 13, 2027.
Does my child need to move schools?
No. The new system will start with applications in fall 2027, for students enrolling in the 2028-29 school year and beyond. Students who are currently enrolled in elementary school will not be impacted.
What about sibling priority?
This has not been decided. Rules for current students and siblings will be set as part of the final policy. Families will be able to share their views first.
Can I still choose a different school?
Yes. Citywide programs, such as language programs, K-8 schools, and special day classes will stay open for families to apply to.
What happens next?
- Now through spring 2027: Community sessions in multiple languages, in schools and neighborhoods
- March 16, 2027: The Board reviews a draft policy
- April 13, 2027: The Board holds its final vote
- Fall 2027: Applications begin under the new system
How to follow this work and engage
The Board is holding seven study sessions between August 2026 and May 2027. Study sessions are working meetings where the Board and staff discuss information in public. They are not decision meetings. Public comment is taken before each session, on the topics listed on that meeting's agenda.
In addition, the Board will have separate meetings to discuss and take action on student assignment on October 13, 2026, January 12, 2027, and April 13, 2027.
Slides, recordings, and a plain-language recap are posted after every session. We will share how to give input at each stage.
Date | milestone | Slide Deck | Recording | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aug 18, 2026 | Study Session 1: The problem and lessons from earlier zone planning | Session 1 Slide Deck | Session 1 Recording | Session 1 Recap |
Sep 1, 2026 | Study Session 2: Policy options, priorities, and tradeoffs | Session 2 Slide Deck | Session 2 Recording | Session 2 Recap |
Oct 6, 2026 | Study Session 3: Staff recommendation on assignment policy and what it means for school programs | Session 3 Slide Deck | Session 3 Recording | Session 3 Recap coming soon |
| OCT 13, 2026 | Board Action: Set the assignment policy direction | |||
Nov 10, 2026 | Study Session 4: School program decisions and tradeoffs | |||
Jan 12, 2027 | Board Discussion: School program decisions | |||
Feb 2, 2027 | Study Session 5: Draft policy language and what we heard from families | |||
Mar 16, 2027 | Study Session 6: Near-final proposal and how it would be put in place | |||
Apr 13, 2027 | Board Action: Adopt, revise, or revoke the assignment policy | |||
May 18, 2027 | Study Session 7: Rollout plan, timeline, and communication |
This page was last updated on October 23, 2026