Superintendent's Message
October 2025
April 30, 2026
Dear Families, Colleagues and Community,
It has been wonderful to see so many of you at recent school events. From 5th grade concerts to STEM Fairs, Walk-A-Jogs and Stampede and Soar, our schools have been full of energy, creativity, and opportunities to celebrate student learning. With a busy spring in full swing, we’re excited to share a few highlights and updates from across SCSD.
Tierra Linda and Central Recognized as California Distinguished Schools
On April 24, Tierra Linda Middle School and Central Middle School were honored at the California School Recognition Program Awards Ceremony. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized award recipients for their, “proven practices that create exceptional outcomes for students.” This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our incredible educators—we are deeply grateful for all they do to support student success. (Pictured below: Central and Tierra Linda Staff, Asst. Superintendent Hans Barber, and Board President Sarah Kinahan and State Superintendent Tony Thurman)
Staff Appreciation Weeks
Throughout April and May, we celebrate the many individuals who make our schools run each day. We invite you to join us in recognizing our outstanding staff: Librarian Day - April 16. Administrative Professionals Day - April 22, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week - April 20-24, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day - April 28, School Lunch Hero Day - May 1, Principals/Assistant Principals Appreciation Day - May 1, Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-8, School Nurse Day - May 6, Speech Pathologist Day - May 18, Classified School Employees Week - May 17-23. (Pictured below clockwise: TKELP Staff, Bus Driver Teresita Quintana, District Office Staff, District Nurses)
Climate Ready Facilities Recognition
Our commitment to sustainable, climate-ready schools continues to guide our Measure H facilities improvements, including upgrades to HVAC systems, windows, and doors. On April 29, the San Mateo County Office of Education recognized SCSD as a recipient of the Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools (SCRS) Award. We are proud of this work and grateful to our team, including COO Jennifer Gaboury, for their leadership in this area and Board Vice President Sarah Cassanego, as a panelist at the summit.
Parcel Tax Update
In case you missed it, on April 4, 2026 the San Carlos School District School Board unanimously approved Resolution 11:25/26 calling for a parcel tax election. Throughout the Fall, you’ve heard from us about our need to address a structural mismatch between flat revenues and increasing expenses. To address this, the board approved a resolution:
Key components of the proposed measure include:
Supporting the recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers and staff
Protecting strong academic and student services
A tax rate of $489 per parcel, generating $4.4 million for SCSD schools
An annual cost-of-living adjustment
Independent citizen oversight committee to ensure transparency and ensure funds stay local and are spent as intended
Continued exemption from the tax for property owners 65 and older
To learn more visit our 2026 Parcel Tax website.
SCSD and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As part of our commitment to preparing future-ready learners, we are thoughtfully exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Since emerging tools like ChatGPT gained attention in 2022, our approach has focused on learning first—ensuring that our educators and leaders build a strong understanding of AI before integrating it into classrooms.
Through professional learning, school visits, and pilot programs, we are examining how AI can support instruction, enhance student feedback, and increase accessibility. We have also updated Board policies to ensure safe and responsible use, including those related to technology use and academic integrity including BP 4040 Employee Use of Technology; BP 6163.4 Student Use of Technology; and BP 5131.9 Academic Honesty.
Our work is guided by our Strategic Plan and Learner Profile, with a focus on strong teaching, meaningful learning, and student well-being. As we move forward, we will support students in understanding what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly and ethically. We know that students at different grade levels have different developmental needs, and that AI instruction will look different across elementary and middle school classrooms. However, as a Whole Child student-focused district we want all students to learn to think critically about emerging technologies.
We also recognize the importance of supporting families in navigating AI with their children, and will be sharing resources in the coming months, including recruiting parents to join our AI Task Force to help inform our approach. We are sharing a Family AI Planner to support families in navigating AI and having thoughtful, curiosity-driven conversations with their children.
Looking Ahead: A Month of Celebration
May promises to be another exciting month! From band and orchestra concerts at Central and Tierra Linda, to art shows, school plays, and classroom Celebrations of Learning, we look forward to welcoming you onto our campuses to experience the incredible work of our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and commitment to our schools.
Onward!
Jennifer
