One of the biggest local education decisions of the year has become a question in the District 10 supervisor race. District 10 covers Bayview-Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, Visitacion Valley, Dogpatch and Sunnydale.

What the school board did

According to SFUSD, the Board of Education voted 5-2 in mid-October to direct the district to build a neighborhood-based assignment system for elementary schools, replacing the lottery. Every family would be assigned a neighborhood school based on home address, and citywide specialized programs would remain. The board expects a draft policy in March 2027 and a final vote on April 13, 2027. The new system would start in October 2027. Board President Phil Kim said the district is “preserving meaningful choice while guaranteeing a neighborhood school.”

Mission Local notes that southeastern schools such as Willie Brown Middle School have improved and are now in demand, and some people worry that inequities could come back.

The candidates’ answers

  • J.R. Eppler says neighborhood assignment “can stabilize enrollment, but equitable investment is necessary to earn families’ trust.” He pledges to protect the Student Success Fund and the Public Education Enrichment Fund. His endorsers include the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, United Educators of San Francisco and the Working Families Party.
  • DJ Brookter, former CEO of Young Community Developers, said: “Under current conditions, I oppose neighborhood-based school assignments.” He warned that the change could deepen racial and economic segregation before every school has equal resources. His endorsers include Supervisor Shamann Walton and Supervisor Connie Chan.
  • Theo Ellington, an SFUSD parent and executive director of the Bayview Opera House, says that in his first 100 days he would push to bring back the City and School District Select Committee. His fear is that neighborhood schools “will deepen inequities if the proper resources are not allocated.” His endorsers include Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Democratic Party.

District 10 uses ranked-choice voting. Background: SFUSD’s lottery options, parent pushback and money in the D10 race.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.