About

"One of my daughter's teachers specifically cited housing issues as the reason she left the district and moved down to Southern California, so I know this is something that impacts a lot of our educators and our communities," shared Trustee Gene Kim during the April 24, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting.

His story captured what so many in the San Mateo-Foster City School District already know to be true: that the rising cost of housing is impacting the lives of teachers, staff, students, and families across our community. Guided by this understanding, the Board of Trustees came together with unanimous support to advance the District’s Workforce Housing Initiative, adopting two critical resolutions that will help turn vision into reality.

Resolution No.13/24-25 affirms the District’s commitment to developing affordable workforce housing options to strengthen employee recruitment, retention, and community stability. Board President Latisa Brooks further reminded the community, "When we have educators who work here and then drive back home, it strains their ability to stay connected to the communities they serve.” At a time when school districts across the state are facing similar challenges, SMFCSD’s actions reflect a growing movement to bring real solutions forward. In Daly City, Jefferson Union High School District’s newly opened 122-unit educator housing complex has been hailed as a breakthrough, welcoming staff into new homes at the start of the 2022 - 2023 school year. “Having our educators here will allow us to attract and retain the brightest and the best,” shares President Brooks.

Alongside this, the Board passed Resolution No.18/24-25, endorsing Assembly Bills 1021 and 1381—key state legislation that will cut through red tape and provide essential funding to help districts launch and sustain housing developments. Trustee Maggie Trinh shared, "These are tools for school districts and county offices of education to explore and be incentivized for  workforce housing.” AB 1021 would streamline the development process by reducing regulatory barriers for school districts seeking to build affordable housing on surplus land, while AB 1381 would establish a zero-interest loan fund to help districts finance feasibility studies for these projects.

As the Board’s action sets the course, the District is also making sure that the people most impacted have a voice. In partnership with J Turner Research, SMFCSD launched a Workforce Housing Staff Survey, now open for two weeks, to gather insights directly from employees. This feedback will be critical in shaping what comes next.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee will hold its first meeting on April 30, 2025. Composed of teachers, administrators, parents, elected leaders, and community members, the subcommittee will guide and champion this initiative. The District is building a future of stability, belonging, and opportunity for generations to come.

"I am excited about this moving forward. We are not going to be on the school board forever, but what a wonderful gift we will leave for our community now and the future," shares Trustee Alison Proctor.

To learn more, visit the Workforce Housing webpage.

“I believe solar panels help everywhere,” shared Laurel Elementary student Beck. “Laurel has benefited so much from solar panels already. It helps the environment because it lowers air pollution and saves more natural resources.” That spirit of awareness and forward thinking lit up the morning of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as students, staff, community members, and elected leaders gathered at Laurel Elementary for the district’s Solar Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. A highly anticipated initiative, this project stands as one of the most ambitious sustainability efforts in the history of the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

The event began with Borel Middle School student Myra Milar, who moved the crowd with a heartfelt performance of the Star-Spangled Banner. After a stunning performance by our talented singer, Laurel students Beck and Anyeli shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of solar power on their school and community. Their words served as a powerful reminder that students aren’t just the inspiration behind our work—they’re also the ones driving it forward.

This project was made possible by the community’s support of Measure T, a $409 million bond passed in November 2020 to improve school facilities and fund critical infrastructure projects. With this solar milestone now complete, SMFCSD continues to honor that promise—creating sustainable, high-quality learning environments for students today and tomorrow.

This effort has been years in the making and reflects our commitment to building sustainable, energy-efficient schools,” shares Executive Director of Facilities and Construction, Amy Ruffo. She described the scale and impact of the project: a district-wide installation of 2.3 megawatts of solar energy and 24 electric vehicle charging stations, expected to generate over 3.7 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually. “This is one of the most transformative initiatives our district has undertaken,” she shared. “It’s an investment in the environment and in our future, with a return on our investment in just 12 years.”

The district’s energy partner, ENGIE, joined the celebration, reflecting on the importance of designing sustainable systems that directly benefit communities. Their work will help SMFCSD cut more than 650 metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to removing 621 gas-powered vehicles from the road each year.

“Greener schools mean more than just lower bills. They mean healthier communities, cleaner air, and resources redirected toward students, where they belong,” says Board Vice President Maggie Trinh during her speech. “I’m proud that San Mateo-Foster City is leading the way. We are a district that acts, guided by equity, sustainability, and vision.”

The District was honored with commendations from both local and state leaders during the ceremony. Presenting these accolades were

Bruno Basileiro, representing Congressman Kevin Mullin;

Christina Falla, on behalf of San Mateo County Supervisor Noelia Corzo;

Nicole Fernandez, representing Senator Josh Becker, and Sara Phelps, on behalf of Assemblymember Dian Papan.

Following these recognitions, Laurel students gathered alongside district leaders to officially flip the switch and cut the ceremonial ribbon—a joyful moment signaling the start of a new chapter rooted in clean energy, innovation, and student-driven progress.

To learn more about our ongoing construction efforts, visit the district’s Construction page.

On Tuesday, April 22nd, the district will host a Solar Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate the successful implementation of solar energy across 12 of its campuses. This initiative, funded by Measure T, reflects the district's commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

Key Features of the Solar Energy Program:

• Solar Power Installation: A total of 2.3 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic panels have been installed, generating approximately 3.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: The district has installed 24 dual-port EV charging stations. These stations are available to staff and student families during weekdays, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles within the community.

The program is expected to generate substantial long-term savings and significantly reduce the district’s environmental footprint. Through the production of this clean energy, the district will reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 652 metric tons of CO2 annually. This reduction is equivalent to removing about 621 gas-powered vehicles from the road or powering 515 homes each year.

This project was made possible by the generous support of our community through the passage of Measure T in November 2020. Measure T authorized $409 million in bonds to fund critical infrastructure projects, including this solar energy initiative. The district extends its heartfelt gratitude to the voters for their support in advancing our mission to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions for our schools.

The district partnered with ENGIE to design and implement this energy-efficient program. ENGIE's expertise in electricity, natural gas, and energy services was instrumental in ensuring that the solar infrastructure maximizes both environmental and financial benefits. By collaborating with ENGIE, SMFCSD is leading the way in creating sustainable educational environments that benefit students, staff, and the community.

Learn more about the district's construction projects by visiting our Construction page.

The San Mateo-Foster City School District continues to make strategic progress in advancing its Workforce Housing Initiative—an effort grounded in supporting the SMFCSD workforce that serves students every day. 

“I’m proud to see the district making meaningful strides toward alleviating the housing crisis—especially for employees facing the greatest burden from rising rent and monthly housing costs,” shares Board Vice President Maggie Trinh. “I believe our workforce is such an important and enriching part of the community, and I’m proud to support this effort." This initiative aims to explore sustainable, affordable living solutions that allow teachers and staff to live in the communities where they work and to benefit the school community by reducing employee turnover due to high housing costs.

In response to the growing need for action, the Board of Trustees formally established the Educator Housing Task Force (EHTF), which convened from August through December 2024. This group of stakeholders, which included staff, educators, administrators, elected leaders, and partners, examined current staff commuting trends, existing housing models in other districts, strategic financing insights, and local land options — including purchasing buildings, as well as developing at district-owned sites.

This collaborative work culminated in a series of recommendations, which the Board adopted on January 23, 2025. Since then, the District has taken key steps to implement those recommendations and further the vision set forth by the Board. "Our incredibly supportive community understands the connection between beautiful schools and student success," shares Deputy Superintendent and Chief Business Official Patrick Gaffney. "We know that continuing to improve our facilities and providing housing options for our staff will enable us to attract and retain the best employees possible that will have a lasting and positive impact on all of our students."

As part of that work, the District is also updating its Facilities Master Plan to reflect current needs and long-term possibilities, including opportunities to support workforce housing. “Our current Master Plan, Facilities Master Plan for the New Decade, was adopted by the Board in 2020. Measures X and T have completed many projects on the list, but significant work remains to transform our classroom environments into a 21st-century model,” explains Amy Ruffo, Executive Director of Facilities and Construction.

Beginning in February 2025, the following contracts have been approved to support the next phase of planning:

• J Turner Research – Workforce Housing Survey for SMFCSD Staff (Approved February 2025)

To directly engage our employees and ensure future decisions reflect their voices, the District selected J Turner Research to develop and administer a comprehensive workforce housing survey. Known for their expertise in resident experience analysis and housing trends, J Turner will collaborate with staff and teachers to design a tailored survey that captures the real needs and perspectives of our workforce. The data collected will offer actionable insights to guide future planning and ensure that housing solutions are aligned with what employees actually need to stay and thrive in SMFCSD.

• HKIT Architects – Workforce Housing Site Analysis and Yield Study (Approved March 2025)

In response to the task force’s recommendation to study developing/building housing on District-owned properties, HKIT Architects was selected to conduct a feasibility and yield study of the Knolls Campus and Chess Drive properties. HKIT brings experience with both sites, including an understanding of the Knolls' complex topography. Their work will help determine what is possible from a design and capacity standpoint and will guide the District in assessing the potential for future workforce housing development on one of these sites.

• Aedis Architects – Facilities Master Plan Update (Approved March 2025)

The District is updating its Facilities Master Plan to reflect current district-wide facilities needs and explore how future planning could potentially support workforce housing. Aedis Architects, who authored the District’s previous plan, was selected due to their deep familiarity with SMFCSD properties. This updated plan is also required to remain eligible for the State’s School Facility Program (SFP) and will position the District to seek future funding aligned with our long-term vision.

• TeamCiviX, LLC – Survey Feasibility Engagement for a Possible 2026 Bond Measure (Approved March 2025)

The District is exploring a potential bond measure in 2026 that could help fund facilities improvements, including workforce housing. To assess public support, the District will partner with TeamCiviX to develop and conduct quantitative surveys. The results will provide the Board and leadership team with a clear understanding of community perspectives on a bond and inform decisions about whether to pursue this funding pathway.

“I wanted to learn more to better connect with my children,” shared Erika Carrillo Bañuelos, a parent at Laurel Elementary. “PIQE has had a significant impact on my family, reminding me that our kids learn from us as parents. How we act, respond, acknowledge, and teach them shapes their world. Learning begins at home.”

That spirit of connection and empowerment came to life on the evening of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, when over 150 families gathered at the Bayside Theater to celebrate the first-ever PIQE (Parent Institute for Quality Education) graduation ceremony in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. The event brought together families from our five community schools—Fiesta Gardens International, Laurel, LEAD, San Mateo Park, and Sunnybrae Elementary—to recognize parents who completed a yearlong series of workshops focused on supporting their children's education and unlocking their own leadership potential.

Superintendent Diego Ochoa shares, “Last night was the culmination of this yearlong process of providing knowledge to families and a celebration of all their accomplishments, collaboration, and unity.”

Rooted in the California Community Schools Framework, this partnership with PIQE reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to equity, family engagement, and educational opportunity. Through generous funding from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, the district hosted PIQE workshops throughout the fall and spring, equipping parents with tools to navigate school systems, support academic growth, and plan for higher education.

Evelin Franco, a parent from San Mateo Park Elementary, expresses, “I liked participating because they give us a lot of information—ideas that we can use with our children. The change we’ve had as parents is that now we can truly help and support them. I would like my children to attend a university, and thanks to these workshops, we now know how to find resources such as scholarships to help them.”

The evening was filled with emotion as parents—many of whom were first-time participants in school-based programs—stood proudly on stage to accept certificates, share their journeys, and uplift one another. The phrase “Tu voz es tu poder” ("Your voice is your power") echoed throughout the theater, a powerful reminder that informed and engaged families are central to student success.

Speakers included leaders from Faith in Action, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley coordinator Paola Campos, and PIQE emcee Ivan Ponce, as well as school principals, assistant principals, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba, and Principal on Special Assignment Jeannette Ramirez—all reinforcing the shared commitment to partnership, equity, and hope for a brighter future.

The district’s Community Schools Initiative, launched in May 2024 through a $5 million grant from the California Department of Education, continues to build momentum. By turning these five school sites into hubs of wellness, learning, and support, this initiative ensures that families have access to the resources and relationships they need to thrive. PIQE is one of many programs reinforcing the district’s strategic goals of Achievement, Equity, and Wellness, with a strong emphasis on family leadership and literacy at home.

As José Gonzales, a parent at LEAD Elementary, shares, “Now my children ask for their story before bed. Going to the park or movies now feels like learning. After PIQE, I realized how important motivation is to create a better future for our children. My advice to parents: participate—it’s full of tools for your children’s success.”

We are incredibly proud of the families who completed the PIQE program and thankful to the Community Services Specialists, school teams, and partners who made this celebration possible. 

We are building a future of belonging, growth, and progress—one empowered family at a time.