Board of Education Votes for Lowell Lottery Admission System

On October 20th, the SFUSD Board of Education unanimously approved the usage of a lottery system at Lowell High School for the 2021 school year due to exceptional circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Debates surrounding this decision were heated as parents, students, school staff, and faculty all shared their thoughts on the Lowell proposal. Many felt that the decision was a positive one which would allow for students who otherwise would not be able to attend Lowell to attend this coming year, while others believed that a lottery admissions system would compromise the prestige that Lowell has gained due to its rigorous admissions process.

There were also discussions about the toxic culture at Lowell which many believe is perpetuated by its current admissions process. Commissioner Allison Collins noted that the language of this proposal must be explicit about its purpose, which is not to fight racism, but to address the culture of Lowell and allow for more opportunity to those who are most affected during these difficult times.

These changes will take place exclusively for the freshman class of 2021 and will be reassessed next year, according to the commissioners. Student Delegate Shavonne Hines-Foster confirmed that students will not be considered for the lottery system unless they specifically opt to apply to Lowell.

To read the official SFUSD press release, click here.