Nine San Rafael City Schools (SRCS) campuses will get Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations thanks to the combined resources and support of the Transportation Authority of Marin, Marin Clean Energy and Pacific Gas and Electric. Adding these charging stations positions SRCS as a leader supporting California’s clean energy goals. The SRCS Board of Education approved the project at its December 17 meeting.

“We’re thrilled that our community partners are making EV charging stations possible on so many campuses,” said SRCS Superintendent Michael Watenpaugh, Ed.D. “Our Board, staff, students and community members have advocated for these stations and community funding and rebates will make them possible.” 

The school board action allows the District to commit to PG&E EV Network Terms & Conditions (including easement rights); initial site assessments and preliminary designs; and directional approval to proceed with a Request for Proposal procurement process, following public contracting code for PG&E qualified contractors.

The schools being identified for EV stations include: Terra Linda High School; San Rafael High School; Madrone Continuation High School; Davidson Middle School; and Glenwood, Bahia Vista, Coleman, Sun Valley and San Pedro elementary schools. 

The District successfully applied for and acquired specialized grants and rebates to install and cover the EV charging equipment cost. Funding resources include:

• Transportation Fund for Clean Air Grant through the Transportation Authority of Marin - $60,000
• Marin Clean Energy Rebate - $65,772
• PG&E Charge Rebate - $575/port

There is no initial cost to the District. Charging stations will be a mix of dual and single head stations, following accessibility requirements. The projects will go through a Division of State Architect review. As many SRCS campuses are undergoing construction as part of Measures A and B, installing EV stations should be seamless and not disruptive. 

Nicholas Nguyen, Principal Project Manager for the Transportation Authority of Marin, stated, “Installing electric vehicle charging stations is an important, forward-thinking move by San Rafael School Board. TAM is glad to be a guiding resource and funding partner in this effort by the District to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to fossil-free transportation. While TAM advocates for carpooling and alternative modes of transportation to reduce congestion and emissions, we believe electric vehicles offers a clean choice when the other options are not available. Working together, we can make a big difference.” 

Dan Zaich, Senior Director of Capital Improvements explained, “Our intentions with these preliminary plans include a four-hour time limit at each station with posted signage outlining guidelines.  SRCS plans ‘pass through charges’ where the vehicle owner pays only for the electricity used via a punch key and credit card system, similar to those systems seen at shopping malls.” 

In light of the announcement that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will end, we want to remind our entire community that San Rafael City Schools welcomes all students and families, regardless of their immigration status. Our "Dreamers" are vital contributors to our SRCS community.

Click here to read a letter from the Superintendent in English or click here to read the letter in Spanish.

The SRCS Board of Education often reviews its Board Policies and makes updates to align with recent changes in state law and to adapt to research and changes in best practice for educational programming. 

Recently, the SRCS Board began reviewing updates to its Board Policy 6154 on Homework/Makeup Work. Language for Board Policies often comes from the California School Board Association (CSBA). The recommended CSBA language, which is included in SRCS’ draft revised policy, includes updates such as allowing full credit to be given for makeup work satisfactorily completed within a reasonable time, regardless of whether the absence is due to an excused or unexcused absence. Additionally, the draft policy addresses guidelines for the assignment of homework, communication of homework expectations to students and parents/guardians and resources to assist students in completing homework and developing good study habits. 

The revised policy will be brought to the Board for final review and consideration at a future meeting in May. Click here to download the draft revised Board Policy 6154. If you have any feedback, please contact your principal or email communications@srcs.org.