Spring Valley Elementary School is close to Chinatown. Chinese parents oppose the closure of the school- it is very important for new immigrants.

As San Francisco Unified School District grapples with financial difficulties, several schools are at risk of closure, prompting strong opposition from the Chinese community against the potential shutdown of Spring Valley Elementary School. Located near Chinatown, this historic institution has been a cornerstone of quality education for local Chinese families, earning the affection of both parents and students alike.

On October 15, representatives from Chinese parents expressed their concerns, emphasizing that Spring Valley Elementary serves not only as an academic institution but also as a vital cultural and emotional hub for the Chinese community. They highlighted the school’s irreplaceable role in nurturing the language, culture, and identity of the next generation of Chinese American students. With budget cuts looming, they fear the impact of closure on many low-income and immigrant families.

The opposition to the school’s closure extends beyond parents to include local leaders and community organizations actively participating in protests. They argue that shutting down such a historically significant and multicultural school would bring long-lasting negative consequences for the community, particularly in terms of cultural preservation and social cohesion.

In recent days, parents have organized a series of events, ranging from rallies to signature petitions, applying pressure on city officials and the school district to preserve the school. They are demanding that the district reconsider its closure plans and seek alternative financial solutions that would not sacrifice educational and community interests.

Zhao Zhen, a parent, articulated that Spring Valley Elementary symbolizes their hopes and future for their children’s education. The closure would not only be a blow to the school but also a setback for the entire Chinese community.

Another parent representative, Liu Xin, noted the unique significance of Spring Valley Elementary, which is not only one of San Francisco’s oldest public schools but also caters to a diverse student body, particularly from Chinese and Asian backgrounds. The school provides language support for non-native English speakers, helping them transition smoothly into mainstream classes—a critical resource for many newly arrived immigrant families. Parents worry that if the school closes, these children might not receive the language and academic support they need, which could adversely affect their educational progress.

Moreover, parents have raised concerns about the decision-making process within the school district, claiming that community voices and needs were not sufficiently considered before the closure decision was made. They criticized the district for transferring its financial difficulties onto the most vulnerable communities, neglecting the educational rights of students. Many parents expressed a desire for deeper dialogue with the district to discuss ways to tackle the budget issues without resorting to closing schools.

Community leaders have also rallied behind the parents’ protest, calling on city authorities to intervene and seek more sustainable solutions. Third-generation Chinese immigrant Bill Lee remarked that Spring Valley Elementary is not just an educational institution but also a pivotal space for cultural transmission and community solidarity. Closing the school would result in an irreplaceable loss.