As the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced plans to close Sutro Elementary School, the Richmond District community has launched a fierce opposition campaign. On October 13, a group of Chinese-American parents and supporters gathered to voice their concerns about the district’s decision, labeling it “unequal, unreasonable, and unsafe.” They emphasized that Sutro has long served low-income families and Chinese immigrant students.
To protest the closure plan, parents and supporters organized a community outreach event titled “Protect Sutro” at the Clement Street Farmers Market. They distributed flyers and engaged with community members to raise awareness about the issue and garner more support.
Parent Zhao Chengguo expressed, “This is not just about Sutro Elementary; it’s about the future of our entire community. Our children rely on the education provided here, especially as new immigrants who need to learn multiple languages.”
Another parent added, “This school is more than just an educational institution; it’s part of our community. Kids grow up here, make friendships, and receive support tailored to our specific needs. If this school closes, we’re not sure where else we can find the same language, arts, and cultural education resources.”
Superintendent Matt Wayne of the SFUSD has stated that the closure plan is driven by decreasing enrollment and financial constraints. He emphasized that the district faces significant budget pressures, necessitating tough decisions to ensure resources are utilized effectively.
However, Wayne’s explanation has done little to quell the worries of parents and community members. Many have pointed out that the district’s plan disregards Sutro’s crucial role in supporting low-income and immigrant families. The Chinese community particularly fears that closing the school will have long-term negative impacts on students’ academic performance and further reduce their access to quality educational opportunities.
Parent Zhang Ke shared the challenges faced by children, from language barriers to cultural adjustments. “This school understands our needs and provides targeted support. If it closes, our children will lose that support, and other schools may not offer the same level of education.”
Supporters of Sutro Elementary are clear that this protest is just the beginning. They plan to hold more events to raise awareness citywide, with another protest against the closure scheduled for next Wednesday at the school.
The event organizers declared, “We will not stop fighting until the school district listens to us and finds a reasonable solution for our kids. We hope this event will attract more media and public attention, prompting the district to reconsider its closure plan.”
As of this report, the SFUSD has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
