The San Francisco Board of Education held an initial public hearing on July 4, 2025, to discuss a significant proposed merger between City Arts and Tech High School (CAT) and Leadership High School (LHS). This merger aims to create a unified educational institution that combines the strengths of both schools, enhancing opportunities for students in the Southeast San Francisco community.
During the meeting, Michael Davis presented the details of the merger, which has been in discussion since spring 2021. The governing boards of both schools approved the merger plan in June, leading to the submission of a material revision to the Board of Education. This revision seeks to combine the two schools under the City Arts and Tech charter, which was initially approved in December 2020 and is set to run until June 2026.
The proposed merger would see the newly formed school, tentatively named City Arts and Leadership High School, operate across both the Luther Burbank and San Miguel campuses during a transition period from 2022 to 2024. By the 2024-2025 school year, the combined school is expected to fully transition to the San Miguel campus.
Key aspects of the merger include a temporary increase in enrollment to accommodate students from both schools, with a goal of stabilizing at around 400 students. The merger also aims to integrate the educational programs of both institutions, ensuring that students benefit from a diverse curriculum that includes arts, wellness, and sports.
Community engagement has been a priority throughout this process, with ongoing discussions involving parents, students, and staff from both schools. Support for the merger was voiced by school leaders and community members during the meeting, highlighting the potential for a stronger educational environment that meets the needs of all students.
The Board of Education will continue to review the material revision, with a public hearing scheduled for October 26, 2025, to finalize the decision. This merger represents a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a more inclusive school community in San Francisco.