SFUSD to Overhaul School Lottery System with New Zone-Based Assignment Policy by 2026

​The San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) school assignment lottery has long been a source of stress and frustration for parents, and significant changes are on the horizon aimed at addressing these concerns.​

Current Lottery System:

Initiated in 2011, SFUSD’s lottery system was designed to promote diversity across schools by allowing families to rank their preferred schools. However, the process has been criticized for its complexity and unpredictability. Parents often find themselves navigating a system where, despite listing multiple schools, they may not secure a spot in their top choices.For instance, Lyndsey Roach, after extensive school tours and listing nine schools, was disheartened to find her child placed in her ninth choice. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I don’t want my ninth-choice doctor or ninth-choice meal at a restaurant. The worst part is, your hands are tied, and there’s nothing you can do.”

Upcoming Changes:

In response to these challenges and evidence that the current system has not effectively desegregated schools, SFUSD is set to implement a new zone-based assignment policy for elementary schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This policy aims to balance the goals of diversity, predictability, and proximity by dividing the city into zones. Families will have the opportunity to apply to any school within their designated zone, thereby simplifying the selection process and fostering stronger community ties. ​

Key Features of the New Policy:

• Zone-Based Assignments: Students will be assigned to schools within specific geographic zones, promoting community cohesion and reducing commute times.​

• Diversity Considerations: The policy is designed to create integrated learning environments that reflect the city’s rich diversity, addressing previous shortcomings in achieving desegregation.​

• Predictability for Families: By limiting choices to schools within a zone, families can have a clearer understanding of potential school placements, reducing the uncertainty inherent in the previous system.​

Implementation Timeline:

Originally slated for an earlier rollout, the implementation of the new policy has been postponed to the 2026-2027 school year. This delay allows SFUSD to align the new assignment system with other district initiatives and to conduct comprehensive community engagement to ensure the zones meet the needs and preferences of families. ​

Community Engagement:

SFUSD has been actively seeking input from parents and community members to shape the new assignment zones. Workshops and surveys have been conducted to gather feedback, ensuring that the voices of families are central to the development process. The district emphasizes the importance of community involvement in creating a system that serves all students equitably. ​

As SFUSD prepares for these changes, families are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming discussions to ensure a smooth transition to the new assignment system.

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