New Coalition Formed to Replace SFUSD Lottery System
The group KTAP is pushing for a new school assignment model ahead of a planned April 2027 board vote.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Administration
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San Francisco families frustrated with the district's school assignment process have formed a new coalition called Kids, Teachers and Parents to advocate for a complete overhaul. The group launched this month, aiming to influence the SFUSD board's upcoming decision on a replacement for the current lottery system.
Why it matters
The current lottery system, which has been in place since 2011, has long been criticized by the school board for failing to reduce racial segregation. Whether a move toward a neighborhood-based model will improve student commutes or address broader equity concerns remains the central point of contention for residents.
A recent poll of 600 voters found that 35% favor a neighborhood zone system compared to 17% who prefer a simplified lottery and 2% who support the status quo. While 45% of respondents view SFUSD favorably, 66% of those surveyed support school mergers.
The players
KTAP
A coalition of parents and teachers founded to advocate for changes to the SFUSD school assignment system.
SFUSD
The city's unified school district that manages student enrollment and school policies.
Rebecca Kee
The executive director of SF Parents who stepped into the role in August 2026.
Trevor McNeil
A Lowell High School teacher and one of the founding members of the KTAP coalition.
The details
Founded by John Jersin, Sarah Montoya, Trevor McNeil, and Brian Johnson, KTAP aims to gather parent feedback as the district enters a months-long engagement period. SFUSD staff are slated to manage community sessions throughout the fall and winter to refine a new policy. The school board is scheduled to review a draft proposal in February 2027, with a final vote on the new system expected in April 2027.
Timeline
2011: The current SFUSD lottery system was introduced.
2018: The school board first called for the removal of the lottery system.
August 2026: Rebecca Kee was appointed executive director of SF Parents.
February 2027: The board is scheduled to review the draft lottery policy.
April 2027: The board is expected to vote on a new assignment policy.
Across the Bay
This effort follows the school board's 2018 decision to scrap the lottery system over concerns about racial segregation. The formation of KTAP signals a new phase in attempting to resolve the assignment policy issues that have persisted since the board's original 2018 call to action.
Families can expect the district to host community engagement sessions regarding school assignments throughout the coming fall and winter. Residents should watch for upcoming town halls hosted by KTAP to share feedback on how the current lottery affects their neighborhood schools.
The takeaway
The proposed shift to a neighborhood school model is backed by Stanford simulations showing shorter commute times for students. Keep an eye on the upcoming district engagement sessions, which will shape the final proposal before the decisive board vote in April 2027.
Further reading
For more background on district governance, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
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