San Marino Unified outlines safety, sustainability, student programs and new AI task force in State of the District

SAN MARINO, Calif. — At its annual State of the District address on Feb. 11, 2025, the San Marino Unified School District leadership presented four board goals for the 2024–25 school year and highlighted academic recognitions, specialized programs and upcoming local funding decisions.

Board President C. Joseph Chang opened the evening; Superintendent Dr. Scott DelaTorre framed the address by invoking the district’s mission to foster both intellect and character, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically." Dr. DelaTorre then introduced district priorities and leaders who reported on programs and outcomes.

The board’s four goals for 2024–25 were presented as: improving safety and awareness, prioritizing physical health and financial sustainability, fostering a culture of service and appreciation, and preparing students as global citizens. District officials said the goals will be pursued through measurable targets, expanded mental-health frameworks, collaboration with city and state partners on facilities and safety, and a review of responsible technology-use policy.

Superintendent DelaTorre and assistant superintendents highlighted district programs that will expand or continue: the Mandarin dual language immersion program (now adding a third cohort for fall intake), the Medical Arts Academy at San Marino High School (entering its third year), and the district’s intention to form an artificial intelligence task force to examine classroom uses of AI. Dr. DelaTorre summarized the district’s emphasis on the “4 A’s” — academics, arts, athletics and activities — as central to student development.

Officials also reviewed recognitions and student outcomes that district leaders cited as evidence of progress: a 99% graduation rate, national Blue Ribbon recognition, districtwide gains in English language arts and math, a 93% AP pass rate at the high school and strong national-percentile performance on NWEA assessments for secondary students. Dr. DelaTorre and other speakers repeatedly credited community partners, the San Marino Schools Foundation and PTA organizations for supporting small class sizes and programming.

District leaders placed two major local funding items on the community calendar. Officials noted Measure M, a $200 million facilities bond passed by voters in November with about 71% support, and announced that Measure R, the district’s parcel tax that funds roughly 11 teacher/staff positions, is expiring and will appear on the June 3 ballot for renewal.

The evening included presentations from education, business services and human resources leaders who outlined district staffing and fiscal positions; program leaders who described student supports such as PBIS and restorative practices; and principals who presented site-level highlights and student performances from the Mandarin immersion cohort and the youth choir. The address closed with appreciation for volunteers and community partners and an invitation to upcoming events and student showcases.

Looking ahead, district officials said they will operationalize the board goals through measurable metrics, further partnerships for facilities and safety planning, and a public information effort tied to the June parcel-tax renewal vote.