Dear SRCS Community,
As we settle into the new school year, we’re excited to continue building strong partnerships among students, families, staff and our broader community. One meaningful way to get involved is by joining one of our District working groups or committees.
These sessions bring together representatives from across our community to collaborate, share ideas and provide input on important issues that impact students and schools across SRCS and shape our District.
We're looking for a range of perspectives and experiences to be a part of these conversations. Below are a few ways to participate this school year. We recognize and appreciate that many of you are already actively engaged through school-based committees, parent organizations and other opportunities at your child’s school. We also want to be sure you are aware of these additional avenues and we hope every member of our community will consider joining us and contributing to the important work we do together to support every SRCS student.
Sincerely,
Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent
Spanish interpretation is available for all meetings by request
Budget Advisory Committees
SRCS continues to navigate financial challenges, including declining student enrollment, rising operating costs and the ongoing expiration of one-time state funds for both our Elementary School District (serves grades TK-8) and High School District (services grades 9-12). In January 2026, the Board approved a two-year plan to address these challenges and support the District’s long-term fiscal stability. This year, the Budget Advisory Committees will continue to serve as an important forum for engagement and input as we monitor our financial outlook as the District prepares for the next phase of its two-year fiscal plan.
Meeting Details
- Location: District Office Boardroom (310 Nova Albion Way)
- Time: 4:15 - 5:15 pm
- ESD Dates: Sept. 23 (Zoom); Jan. 13; March 10
- HSD Dates: Sept. 21 (Zoom); Jan. 14; March 11
- Questions or interested? Contact business-services@srcs.org or 415-492-3205
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
DELAC is an essential committee composed of parents and staff who collaborate with District leadership on key issues affecting English learner (EL) student success. DELAC helps advise the District on programs and services for ELs, including: development the District’s plan for ELs; conducting a district-wide needs assessment; establishing programs, goals and objectives to serve our ELs; reviewing the District’s reclassification procedures and more. Through DELAC, you’ll help ensure our District’s programs for English learners are responsive, equitable and effective - and that parent and guardian perspectives play a central role in shaping our policy and practice.
Meeting Details
- Location: via Zoom (links sent prior to meetings)
- Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
- Dates: Sept. 24; Oct. 8; Nov. 12; Jan. 14; Feb. 11; April 15; May 13
- Note: Conducted in Spanish with English interpretation available by request
- Questions? Contact krico@srcs.org or 415-492-3590. No sign up necessary.
District-wide Safety Committee
In response to a District-wide Threat and Physical Security Assessment conducted in 2025, SRCS continues to implement measures to ensure the safety and emergency preparedness of its schools. Best practice dictates that the district receive input from the community on its progress toward identified goals and help with prioritizing future implementation of emergency preparedness protocols, procedures and systems.
Meeting Details
- Location: District Office Boardroom (310 Nova Albion Way)
- Time: 4:15 - 5:15 pm
- Dates: Sept. 29; Oct. 18; Feb. 24; May 12
- Questions or interested? Contact business-services@srcs.org or 415-492-3205.
Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee (PTOC)
In 2022, San Rafael voters generously approved parcel tax measures, which included ballot language that specified that an Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee be appointed. The committee provides a critical oversight function, working to ensure the funds support priorities outlined for voters. They report annually to the Board and the public regarding the expenditure of such funds; read their latest report.
The PTOC meets once a year; they will next convene in April 2027 to continue to align District staffing with priorities of ballot measures and ensure there is proportional distribution across schools and subject matter balance. They are currently looking for new members, specifically a middle school parent; a high school parent; a high school administrator; and an individual active in a senior citizen’s organization.
Meeting Details
- Location: District Office Boardroom (310 Nova Albion Way)
- Time: TBD
- Dates: April 2027
- Questions or interested? Contact business-services@srcs.org or 415-492-3205
Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC)
In 2015 and again in 2022, San Rafael voters generously approved bond measures, which included ballot language that specified that a Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee be appointed. Members review expenditures for construction, repair and modernization of our schools and their work is shared with the Board and the public to demonstrate that school bond funds are invested as the voters intended and that projects are completed wisely and efficiently; read their latest report.
The CBOC holds four quarterly meetings. We encourage interested, qualified members of the SRCS community to apply to serve on the CBOC; we are especially looking for a new senior citizen representative.
Meeting Details
- Location: Various schools throughout the District
- Time: 5 - 6 pm with option project tours at 4:30 pm
- Dates: Nov. 2; March 1; May 10
- Questions or Interested? Visit our Bond Program website or email bondprogram@srcs.org.
District Digital Literacy Committee
This year, we will begin developing an initial TK-12 Digital Literacy Scope and Sequence that will incorporate media literacy, digital wellness, digital citizenship and the fundamental digital skills our students need to navigate, learn and thrive. A District Digital Literacy Committee will come together beginning in January 2027 to help guide this work.
We are seeking participants from our community to join this important work! If you have experience or interest in digital literacy, media literacy, technology, digital wellness or related topics, we would welcome your perspective. We’re also interested in hearing from anyone who would like to help shape this work for our students. Please reach out and more information will be shared soon!
Meeting Details:
- Location, times and dates: To be determined; to begin in Jan. 2027
- Questions or interested? Contact it-services@srcs.org
HeadsUp
HeadsUp, San Rafael's Public Education Foundation, brings critical enrichment and support programs to our schools, providing equitable opportunities for our students while building community district-wide. Through the generosity of our community and strong partnerships with the district and school parent organizations, HeadsUp helps make enriching programs and student support services available across our schools.
HeadsUp is looking for more community members to join its Board; they are looking to strengthen and broaden the Board with individuals who share our commitment to public schools, the students we serve and equitable educational opportunities across SRCS.
Meeting Details
- Location: Zoom (unless noted)
- Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm (unless notes)
- Dates: Oct 14; Nov 18 (Board Retreat, in person, 5:30 pm); Jan 13; Feb 24; Mar 17; April 14 (in person); June 2
- Questions or interested? Visit HeadsUp's website or email info@headsupsr.org.
Online Surveys for All Coming Soon
If you cannot commit to an ongoing committee, know that your voice can still be heard! This school year, students in grades 5, 7, 9 and 11 will participate in the California Healthy Kids survey, which collects feedback on school climate, safety, student wellness and youth resiliency. The District will also send families and staff surveys in the spring to help shape our work ahead and gather input to inform the important decisions the District makes each day in support of our Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP). Stay tuned for more information.
More!
We also have opportunities for committees focused on the following topics: curriculum advisory; special education; school calendar; digital literacy; and community schools. If any of these interest you, please contact superintendent@srcs.org or 415-492-3233 to learn more!
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San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 949037
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