The San Francisco Unified School District changed enrollment criteria in March 2010 to give children a better chance of attending their neighborhood school. Since Noe Valley's Alvarado Elementary is highly desired, not everyone is happy with the new borders. Vicki Rosen of Upper Noe Neighbors sent this along:
Dear Neighbors,
Upper Noe Neighbors has been involved in trying to get the School District to include all of Noe Valley in the Alvarado attendance area. Currently, the border ends at 29th Street and we're asking that it go to 30th Street (both sides of the street). We have been told by members of the School Board that now is the time to hear from neighbors who support keeping ALL of Noe Valley in the same attendance area.
Please see the sample letter below, and if you're so inclined, send an email ASAP to: attendanceareas@sfusd.edu.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Olga Milan-Howells at info@MilanHowells.com. Thanks.
Vicki
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Dear SFUSD District Staff,
Please extend the Alvarado Attendance Area Map to reflect the traditional southern border of Noe Valley - 30th Street (including both sides of the street). Currently, the Alvarado Attendance Area Map uses 29th Street at its southern border which randomly cuts off the neighborhood and also cuts off families from using the 24 Divisadero bus line which goes directly from 30th and Church to one block from Alvarado. All neighborhood maps show 30th Street as the southern border.
In addition, Alvarado had more available spots than neighborhood applicants according to the March placement data. While Alvarado did have a very high number of CTIP1 applicants, this could change over time. Also as non-neighborhood siblings from the previous assignment system work their way through the system, more spots will be freed up for neighborhood applicants.
It appears there is enough room for a small expansion of the boundaries.
Thank you for your work on this issue.
Best regards,
xxxxx
Member, Upper Noe Neighbors (and/or resident of 30th St or resident of Noe Valley, etc.)
In brief:
- Families cite the school enrollment system as a primary reason for fleeing to the 'burbs.
- The new enrollment takes effect for the 2011-12 school year.
- The new maps were finalized in September of 2010, but may be adjustable.
- No one understands this process.
What do you think? Do the borders make sense or need adjustment? Will enrollment changes keep your family in San Francisco?
[SFUSD: Elementary Attendance Area Boundaries]
[SFGate: S.F. losing kids as parents seek schools, homes]
