The District’s Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Education on February 23, 2010, supported the implementation and establishment of “attractive school options to provide desirable choices and deepen student, family and community engagement in youths’ lives and education.” The Board has since approved the implementation of magnet schools at Encinal Junior/Senior High School and Maya Lin and innovative programs at Bay Farm, Earhart, Franklin, and Haight Elementary Schools. These programs continue to be supported and funded by the general fund.

In June 2016 the Board approved planning funds for two schools who submitted planning proposals for innovative programs, Ruby Bridges Elementary, and Paden Elementary. 

Paden’s Learn and Play by the Bay program integrates Place-Based Science and Environmental Literacy, Play, and Service Learning.  Their vision is one in which students engage in work and play to positively impact their well-being and that of their environment.

Ruby Bridges’ STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics) program integrates inquiry-based science, the practice of meaning across disciplines, and a focus on wellness.  Their vision is one in which students are provided opportunities through STEAM education to serve in leadership roles that promote life skills such as empathy, cooperation, perseverance, self-reflection, and complex problem-solving.

Tonight the Board will receive information about these school proposals and request for five years of funding. The District will provide analyses of these proposals.