San Rafael school board votes to pursue public sale of McPhail surplus property; neighbors urge community center instead

The San Rafael City Schools Board of Education voted Sept. 23 to declare its intention to sell the district's surplus McPhail property and to open the site to public competitive bidding. Deputy Superintendent Bob Marcucci told the board the parcel covers about 9.76 acres on Mendola Drive in the Santa Venetia area and that Education Code procedures require the board to set the minimum sale price and the schedule for receiving sealed and oral bids.

The board's action follows years of outreach and prior offers: the district declared McPhail surplus in 1979 and reaffirmed that status subsequently, most recently in March 2024. Marcucci said staff received two eligible, compliant written offers and one ineligible offer, engaged in extended good‑faith negotiations, and was unable to reach an acceptable purchase agreement. He said staff recommends public competitive bidding so the district can ensure the property is sold at fair market value and that any sale proceeds are used only for capital improvements or ongoing facility maintenance in the elementary district.

Why it matters: the McPhail site is adjacent to a residential neighborhood, wetland areas and active community organizations. Neighbors told trustees the…