SRCS Updates: News from around the District for our SRCS Community (Jan. 2026)

2026-27 School Year Calendar

We're happy to share the SRCS calendar for TK-12 students for next school year! The first day of school for students will be August 19, 2026. Add to Google Calendar: https://bit.ly/3O1gneF English Spanish Budget Reductions SRCS is facing the challenging task of making budget reductions for both our Elementary School District and High School District. Like many districts across California, we are nearing the end of the large, one-time state grants provided in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. At the same time, rising operational costs and declining student enrollment are creating additional financial strain. Together, these factors have resulted in structural deficits for both districts. To address immediate needs, the Elementary School District budget needs to be reduced by about $830,000, and the High School District budget by approximately $590,000. Looking ahead, we are also preparing for further reductions over the next two years, totaling up to $2.8 million in our Elementary School District and $1.3 million in our High School District, as the remaining one-time state funding expires. As we navigate these tough choices to manage the many competing demands on our resources, we are grateful to the members of our SRCS community who have stepped up to serve on our Budget Advisory Committees. Their thoughtful feedback is helping guide recommendations on how to reduce our spending for the next school year and beyond. While it is still preliminary, we are hopeful that layoffs can be avoided as much as possible and that reductions will occur primarily through attrition. We anticipate the Board will take action on proposed reductions at its meeting on Jan. 27.  Coming Soon: Mental Health and Wellness State Initiative Mental health is a priority, and we're taking an important step forward! In the coming months, SRCS will be implementing the state-wide Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a first-of-its-kind effort to ensure all students can access mental health support in schools. The new CYBHI fee schedule program makes it easier for students to get critical services at school at no cost, while also helping to sustain existing student wellness programs.  Parents’ partnership will be essential to access these additional resources. California’s health plans and insurers are now required to reimburse public schools for covered mental health services provided to students at school. This will bring additional funding directly back to our schools and students!  Most importantly, state law protects families, guaranteeing zero impact to your insurance coverage: No bills, copays or deductibles No increase to premiums No reduced or impacted plan benefits No effects to coverage No denial of private services if/when the same service is provided at school We are proud to partner with the Marin County Office of Education to bring this essential work to our District. More details will be shared soon. In the meantime, learn more here. Students Recognized at Heart of Marin Awards Earlier this month, the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership held their annual Heart of Marin celebration. The ceremony was attended by over 500 attendees from the Marin nonprofit, government and business communities.  In the category of "Youth Volunteer of the Year," we are proud that SRCS students Kelvin Colli; Melanie Garcia; Alex MacKay; Levi Rivera; and Jessica Viera were nominated for their work with local non profits and Levi (pictured right) went on to be recognized as an award recipient for her volunteer efforts with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.  New Year's Attendance Resolutions As we move into the new year, we are maintaining our focus on the importance of school attendance and we want to start 2026 on a high note! Here are some possible New Year's Attendance Resolutions for your family to consider: Be consistent - Set a routine for your child with a regular bedtime schedule. Use alarm clocks and have all the items you need for the day prepared. Be organized - Avoid booking medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session. Be direct - Talk to your child about the importance of being at school on time, everyday. Be mindful - Track and monitor days your child misses school. Work with your school to improve attendance. Take notice of positive steps! Be healthy - Keep your child active and ensure they have plenty of rest so they are refreshed, recharged and ready to learn!  Upcoming Parent Education Opportunities The Marin County Office of Education has compiled some upcoming parent / caregiver education events that are free and open to families throughout Marin. Social Media and Youth Body Image: What to Know and What to Do Jan. 22 | Hosted by Children and Screens | Learn more & register Parenting to Support Your Middle Schooler Jan. 27 | Hosted by Let’s Talk | Flyer | Learn more & register Vigilant Parent Training: Social Media How-To's, Vault Apps and Online Exploitation Prevention Feb. 4 | Hosted by MCOE & DA’s Office | Flyer | Register Parenting to Support Our Teens Feb. 4  | Hosted by Let’s Talk | Learn more & register Cómo Cuidar y Apoyar a Nuestros Hijos Durante los Grados de Educación Media  (How to care for and support our children during their middle school years) Feb. 11 | Hosted by Let’s Talk | Learn more & register Reminder: TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Reminder: Enrollment for the upcoming 2026-27 school year is open!  Eligibility for 2026-27: TK: Children who will be four-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2026  Kindergarten: Children who will be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2026  Current TK students DO NOT need to re-enroll for kindergarten.    Registration: You can start the process online. Families can also visit the Student Enrollment & Family Center (District Office, 310 Nova Albion Way). Dual Language Program: SRCS is thrilled enroll new TK and Kindergarten students into our thriving Dual Language Program. Learn more: View this flyer or contact the Student Enrollment & Family Center: 415-492-3236, srcs.org/tk-k-enrollment, 310 Nova Albion Way

San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490