Next Steps to Safe and Modern Schools
San Rafael City Schools teachers and staff have adapted to changing and challenging circumstances over the past two years in order to continue providing high-quality education to local students. We strive to provide every student with a strong education that prepares them for the future and we are committed to ensuring that each student has an equal opportunity for success. Our outstanding schools continue to improve the quality of life in our community and protect the property value of our homes.
Over the past few years, some of our schools have renovated classrooms, updated science labs and reimagined campuses thanks to Measures A & B, which San Rafael voters approved in 2015. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback for these improvements, which have included new classrooms and multi-purpose rooms at elementary and secondary schools, the complete transformation of the campus at Laurel Dell Elementary School, a new student center and library at Terra Linda High School and the highly anticipated new student commons and STEAM buildings at San Rafael High School, just to name a few. More about Phase I of the bond program can be found at www.srcsbondprogram.org.
As Phase I comes to a close – on time and on budget – there is more work to be done. Measures A & B provided the necessary funding for the most urgent priority upgrades, but additional needs remain. As such, students at some schools are still learning in old and outdated classrooms and facilities and SRCS is committed to ensuring that each student has an equal opportunity for success in equitable school facilities.
In order to continue the progress of our SRCS Bond Program, the Board of Education is considering placing a pair of bond measures, one for elementary and middle schools and one for high schools, on the June 2022 ballot to provide local funding for necessary school repairs and upgrades. The Board is planning to discuss this at their upcoming Feb. 28 meeting. The cost of each measure would be limited to no more than 3¢ per $100 in assessed (not market) property value.
If approved by local voters, these measures would:
- Update classrooms, science labs and technology to meet current educational standards
- Replace aging portables with permanent classrooms
- Improve career and job training classrooms to meet current educational standards
- Update health, safety and wellness classrooms and facilities
- Repair or replace outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems where needed
- Provide space for counseling, social and emotional support and a student wellness center
Bond measures require certain taxpayer protections and fiscal accountability provisions, including:
- All funds would be spent in SRCS schools and could not be taken by the State
- A project list would ensure all funds are spent as authorized by the voters
- Independent annual audits and a Citizens’ Oversight Committee would be required
- No funds could be used for administrators’ salaries or benefits
Learn more
If you would like more information or have questions, please contact the superintendent’s office at (415) 492-3233 or superintendent@srcs.org.
