Rules Committee sends advisory declaration urging Algebra I in eighth grade to full Board

The Rules Committee on Nov. 13 heard a hearing and recommended that the Board place a nonbinding declaration on the March 5, 2024 ballot urging the San Francisco Unified School District to offer Algebra I by eighth grade.

Supervisor Joel Engardio, the lead sponsor, argued that withholding eighth-grade algebra had held back students who are ready for advanced study and contributed to families leaving the public system. He cited a Stanford study he said found the prior policy "didn't work," and framed the ballot declaration as a way for voters to express a mandate to the school district.

Supervisor Asha Safaee and multiple public commenters — including parents, tutors and local advocates — spoke in favor, describing individual students who doubled up in high school, the importance of math for STEM pathways, and equity concerns for families without access to supplemental instruction. After public testimony the committee moved to file the hearing and send the declaration to the full Board as a committee report; roll-call votes were unanimous.