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San Marino Unified highlights awards, enrollment gains, wellness centers and new programs in year-in-review
Summary
District leaders reviewed 2024'25 accomplishments including National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished honors, a 146-student enrollment increase, districtwide wellness centers, Measure M passage, food services grant for a branded food truck and expansion of language immersion.
District administrators presented a year-in-review to the board on June 24 that summarized the San Marino Unified School District's accomplishments for the 2024'25 school year and previewed board goals for 2025'26.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Dela Torre and Cabinet members highlighted several recognitions: San Marino High School received a National Blue Ribbon Award; Valentine Elementary received a California Distinguished School Award; and all four district schools received either the California Distinguished or National Blue Ribbon honors this year, staff said. The district reported a graduation rate of 99.5% and an AP pass rate of 93%.
Administrators said enrollment increased by 146 students, from 2,944 to 3,090, which staff said has supported the district's revenue picture. District leaders noted that PTAs achieved record fundraising levels, contributing to programs and services.
District services accomplishments cited included: expansion of the Titan Wellness Center and districtwide wellness supports; the successful application for a food services grant to purchase a food truck (branded with the four schools' logos) that will be used for catering and community events; completion of camera upgrades (paid in part by a grant) and ongoing safety trainings in collaboration with local law enforcement; and perimeter security improvements including buzzer access.
Academic highlights included San Marino High School's stated ranking in ELA among comprehensive high schools, increases in ELA and math proficiency, a UC acceptance rate increase to 36% and strong college matriculation statistics for the Class of 2025. Staff also noted award-winning extracurricular programs (robotics, speech and debate) and continued development of the Titan Medical Arts Academy and STEM partnerships.
The board's four strategic goals for 2025'26 were previewed: (A) evaluate and enhance safety and wellness; (B) maintain fiscal health and sustainability; (C) foster community awareness of the district's mission and vision (including a ClearGov financial transparency tool); and (D) prepare students for post-graduate success (including an AI task force to consider responsible uses of artificial intelligence in schools). The district said the AI task force will include a board representative, staff, faculty and community members.
Board members asked practical questions about the new food truck's uses and noted plans to bring it to community events. Staff said the truck is intended to be self-funded through catering revenue so it would not draw on the general fund.
Administrators said work under Measure M will dovetail with these goals and that the board will receive periodic updates as projects move from preconstruction to construction.
