Jinshan School District plans to revitalize school property and does not consider selling or rebuilding
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is facing a significant budget crisis, prompting a wave of school closures and mergers. According to the latest facilities master plan, SFUSD holds approximately 9.9 million square feet of land across 155 properties, making it the third-largest landowner in the city. Recently, the district has determined to close or merge 13 schools in this vast portfolio.
In the private sector, companies often sell off underperforming assets or abandon underwater loans. By this logic, SFUSD might consider similar actions, especially since the district claims it cannot continue to operate or maintain these properties. However, SFUSD is hesitant to divest its real estate, particularly in a city like San Francisco, where acquiring scarce resources again poses significant challenges.
Furthermore, even if SFUSD were to sell these properties, state law restricts the use of proceeds to maintain or upgrade facilities, meaning those funds cannot be allocated to teacher salaries or general operational expenses.
SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick stated that the district will focus on “activating” the land of the schools that have already been closed rather than selling or rebuilding them. The district plans to prioritize these spaces for expanding projects such as early education centers, which will serve preschool and transitional kindergarten students. Should there be vacant land remaining after meeting SFUSD’s needs, the district will explore partnership opportunities with the city.
Starting next fall, Dudnick mentioned that certain elementary school playgrounds will be shared with local communities on weekends, while unused rooms and outdoor spaces will be available for nonprofits, public agencies, and private or commercial users to reserve for events, subject to school approval as outlined in SFUSD’s current leasing program.
An analysis of the district’s facilities has revealed that the buildings within the school system are not being effectively utilized. SFUSD data indicates that only 20 out of 72 elementary schools achieve a usage rate exceeding 90%. In middle schools and high schools, only 8 out of 21 and 5 out of 17, respectively, meet this standard.
An internal assessment of the district’s facilities condition estimates that substantial repair or upgrade costs will be necessary in the near future, compounding the challenges the district faces. During the upcoming elections, SFUSD advocates are focusing on Proposition A, which aims to raise $790 million in bonds for campus improvements.
Additionally, SFUSD has 14 properties that are not used for educational or administrative purposes, instead being leased to various entities. The district confirmed that its leasing revenue for this year is approximately $7.7 million.
Meanwhile, SFUSD also has two undeveloped parcels of land totaling over 280,000 square feet. Last year, one of these properties was redeveloped for teacher housing, and two additional sites have been designated for the same purpose.
