We are at a watershed moment in the history of public education. Nineteenth century conditions no longer constrain when, where and how learning takes place or how we organize our system—students, teachers, community members, facilities and resources. Current changes and trends are not fads or temporary states. If anything, their effects will magnify over time. We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to address structural challenges in an educational system that was designed for a very different time. The District's status of having mostly charter schools allows it more flexibility to implement many of the changes envisioned in this plan, but it still must comply with many state and federal education mandates.
Additionally, this Strategic Plan is written in the context of political and economic factors as well as demographic and social trends. As a Revenue Limit District, SCSD is dependent upon the state of California for its funding, and given current trends in policy, it is likely that state funding for SCSD will remain modest with continued uncertainty. As such, SCSD relies on local sources of funding, including monies raised by the San Carlos Educational Foundation (SCEF) as well as two parcel taxes currently in place, both of which would have to be renewed over the next five years to maintain current levels of funding. In addition, SCSD relies on a very active, involved, and informed parent community to provide the educational experience for all children. In addition, SCSD is a feeder district for the Sequoia Union High School District, and as such must continually work closely with the high schools to ensure smooth articulation of curriculum and transition for its students.
SCSD has gained a reputation for excellent schools, and it believes that adoption of this plan will further raise the profile and performance of our schools. Our successes to date have resulted in continually increasing enrollment (as many young families move to San Carlos in part based on this reputation), and it is expected that this trend will continue for at least the next five years.