Superintendent's Letters

Dear San Mateo-Foster City Community,

Over the past several weeks, our district has had the privilege of meeting across 22 of our school sites to discuss the future of our learning environments. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to every student, parent, caregiver, educator, and neighbor who took the time to participate. Your voices, shared through in-person input meetings, surveys, and school visits, are shaping the next phase of our Facilities Master Plan and setting the direction for how our schools will evolve for years and even generations to come.

These meetings demonstrated what makes the San Mateo-Foster City School District so strong: a community deeply invested in its children. From the need for safe, modern classrooms to spaces that support hands-on learning, dual language programs, expanded arts opportunities, career-technical exploration, wellness, and outdoor learning, your feedback reflects a shared belief that our students deserve environments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and belonging.

As a district, we are evolving. We are growing in ways that honor our history, respond to today’s needs, and prepare for the future our students will inherit. This work is not happening in isolation. It is happening in partnership with you. Every idea shared, every concern raised, and every hope expressed has helped us build a clearer, more community-centered vision for the future of our schools.

Over Thanksgiving break, we will send a district-wide mailer inviting more input from our community. This will ensure that every family, whether or not they were able to attend a meeting, has access to the same information and understands how community input is guiding our planning. We want this to be a transparent, collaborative process from beginning to end.

Thank you again for your time, your partnership, and your continued commitment to the students of the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

Sincerely,

Diego R. Ochoa
Superintendent

Dear San Mateo-Foster City Community,

Every few years, school districts write a “strategic plan.” Too often, these plans feel like papers that sit on a shelf—full of ideas, but not connected to the people they are meant to serve: students. That will not be the case here.

In San Mateo-Foster City, our Community Strategic Plan will be something different. It will be a road map to the vision we are creating together. This year, we are asking students, families, staff, and community members to dream with us about the future of learning in our district—and to help us write it down.

Why now? Because we have made strong progress from our last plan, and our students are telling us they need more. They want their voices at the center of everything we do—as it should be—and we are listening.

Take a look at what they said in the video below from our visioning kickoff with middle schoolers.

At the Community Vision Kickoff event on September 3rd, 200 community members shared what true partnership looks like in shaping the future of our schools. Out of that conversation, we created a set of shared commitments. These commitments are more than words on a page—they are the principles that will guide us as we build this plan together and hold ourselves accountable to one another. They are our promise to you:

#1 Trust and Safety: We will support everyone to feel safe and welcome.

• We will make time to connect in meaningful ways.
• We will be honest and clear.
• We will be brave and kind.
• We will trust that many voices can create unified action together.

#2 Respect & Deep Listening: We listen with care and make sure every voice matters.

• We will make space for each person to speak.
• We will listen to understand, not just respond.
• We will show respect and care for each other.
• We will work to solve problems and be willing to compromise.

#3 Collaboration & Engagement: We work together as partners and celebrate wins along the way.

• We will make it easy for everyone to join in and include different voices in decisions.
• We will find joy in our work together and celebrate success.
• We will strengthen two-way communication.

To keep these commitments, we need your partnership. Please read the one-pager included here—it shows the many ways you can take part in this process. Starting next week, from September 22 through October 10, we’ll be gathering responses to the Community Vision Survey. This is your chance to share how you see our district today and where you hope we will go together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will create a future that belongs to all of us—and especially to the young people who inspire us every day.

With gratitude and hope,

Diego R. Ochoa
Superintendent

Dear San Mateo Foster City School District Community,

Welcome back for what promises to be a wonderful 2025–2026 school year! To our new families, you are now part of a district that values connection, collaboration, and the whole-child experience. To our incredible staff, thank you for the dedication, creativity, and care you bring to your classrooms and campuses. And to our parents and caregivers, thank you for your partnership and trust. It is through our shared commitment that our students thrive.

Over the past few years, our commitment to academic achievement, equity, and student wellness has come to life in powerful ways. From expanded early learning opportunities and structured literacy to math pathways and the continued growth of our community schools, we are seeing our communities flourish.

New Community Strategic Plan Process

This year, we are initiating a bold and inclusive visioning process with the help of our partners with the Bay Ed Fund. Our new strategic vision will be taking shape through the work of students, families, staff, and community leaders who will soon join planning groups and working committees. In districtwide messages throughout the year, you’ll be updated about how our next Community Strategic Plan is powered by voices from all our constituent groups. Together, we will design a future that reflects the hopes and strengths of our diverse community, setting the stage for long-term, meaningful impact.

Protecting Immigrant Students

Dating back to November 2024, our district has implemented a comprehensive response to federal immigration enforcement changes. Thankfully, our state Department of Education and our state leaders have provided strong support for increased protections for immigrant students. Our approach has been anchored in a belief that schools are safe and welcoming places for all, regardless of immigration status. We uphold the values of inclusion and equity, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment free from fear or discrimination. I want all members of our community to know that we’re prepared to protect our students, families, and staff. District leaders have led a comprehensive training plan for all district employee groups and more training is on the way. Through support from legal counsel, we are equipped to continue serving and educating our students and families effectively and within the bounds of the law. 

Improved School Facilities

While school has been out for summer, we’ve remained busy completing stunning new construction projects at sixteen of our twenty-two sites. I can’t wait to see you all at our upcoming ribbon cutting events held at Bowditch, Meadow Heights, Parkside, Highlands, and many more sites!

Here’s to a school year grounded in purpose and guided by possibility. We are excited to see you all on Tuesday, August 12th!

Sincerely,

Diego R. Ochoa
Superintendent