School Closures

Toward the end of December, what was a theoretical possibility turned into an alarming reality in our neighborhood. Seven months after three of our schools were closed, out of five city-wide, every school in the neighborhood was put on the closure list! Parents, students, educators, HVNA Board members and Families & Children committee co-chair Gail Baugh immediately joined together in protest. Despite a schedule set by the School District seemingly to restrict our efforts to influence the process, we were able to provide the nucleus of a large group of District 5 concerned citizens. Working aggressively with District 5 Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and his dedicated staff, people from throughout District 5 joined together to publicize the inequities in the process. For months, the School District talked internally about what to do to resolve their financial crisis. At no time were parents, schools or neighborhoods consulted for ideas on alternate funding or on criteria to be used in determining potential closures.

Of concern to the leaders in HVNA, and throughout District 5, is the signal that closure of neighborhood schools sends to the children in our area. These kids are our future, and we need to be there for them. In an area where concerns over lack of support services are prominent, to have the agency responsible for preparing our kids for the future prepare to close schools instead shows the short-sightedness of their thinking. The schools in District 5 serve a population comprised largely of working class families, with a large proportion of African-American households. Schools are supposed to prepare all kids to succeed. Closing our neighborhood schools forces kids to travel farther from home every day, hampers efforts to strengthen neighborhoods, eliminates available support services, and reduces their safety.

As we go to press, the School Board has postponed their decision, largely because of the leadership of people in this area. Supervisor Mirkarimi, working with other members of the Board of Supervisors, is attempting to identify City money that can be used to resolve the immediate crisis. There is talk of lawsuits and injunctions. And there is hope. Regardless of the outcome, community members are to be commended for their inclusive efforts for all the kids in District 5, and their desire to continue working together to prevent any similar situations from arising in the future.