Two members of Marin Promise Partners Executive Committee, San Rafael City Schools and Canal Alliance, were recently featured on a segment of Fox KTVU Chanel 2 news in response to a racial incident at San Pedro Elementary School.
After being notified that a 4 by 6 foot piece of paper with the words: “Got English?” was draped it over the school’s marquee, Superintendent Hogeboom shared his disapproval in the school newsletter, but also used the incident to discuss the long-standing issue of racial segregation. He also noted that San Rafael schools are planning dual-immersion programs because bilingual skills are valued in the workplace and sought after because they give students a competitive edge.
Omar Carrera, Executive Director of Canal Alliance, noted that “Nobody is pleased to see segregated schools, but the question is how is that happening, in 2020, in one of the most progressive counties of the United States? … we want to make sure all students feel welcome, supported, and loved.”
Supporting each other to speak up and take action for racial equity is a core element of the Partnership. See below to learn more about what partners are doing to close educational equity gaps and promote culturally responsive action throughout Marin county.
More Cultural Responsiveness Resources
April 2025 Partnership Newsletter
This spring, partners launched the Educator Pathway, helped families unlock $47K in college savings, and saw place-based efforts take root across Marin. Read about the collaborative action and momentum taking place across Marin in the April 2025 Partnership Newsletter.
Partners Help Families Claim Over $47K in Free College Money
“College was not just a dream anymore.”
A Terra Linda High School senior reflects on discovering CalKIDS, California’s free college savings program for eligible students and newborns. This year, partners across Marin worked together to help families unlock over $47,000 in new savings, making it easier for students to pursue college with confidence and support.
Lessons from the Road: Insights from Visiting Place-based Partnerships Across the StriveTogether Network
Michael Looft, the Backbone Team’s Director of Technology, set out on a road trip to visit fellow place-based partnerships across the country. Along the way, he explored how communities are tackling similar challenges, reminding us how staying connected to the national StriveTogether network helps our backbone team bring fresh insight, tested strategies, and renewed purpose back to Marin.
The Educator Diversity Initiative is Graduating: A Milestone for Systemic Change
In Marin, many students of color go through school without ever having a teacher who looks like them. That is starting to change. This story follows a cross-sector partnership that listened to educators of color, removed systemic barriers, and built a lasting Educator Pathway.
Marin Leaders Launch New Planning Effort to Create More Opportunities for Families in the Canal Neighborhood
Local leaders, community organizations, and schools have come together to launch a new planning process aimed at creating better opportunities for children and families in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael.
The Canal Promise Neighborhood Plan is a community-driven effort to build a shared vision for improving education, health, and economic well-being in the Canal, now and for generations to come.
Why This Rural Community’s Car Seat Project is About More Than Safety
The Car Seats for West Marin Kids program provides free car seats and bilingual support, tackling barriers like cost, accessibility, and trust in this rural community. By empowering local families and creating long-term solutions, this community-led initiative transforms transportation safety into a foundation for equity, giving children the opportunity to thrive.
Family Engagement Initiative: Updates & News (January 2025)
Family Engagement Initiative |Engaging Families: Collective Impact in Action | Involucrando a las Familias: Impacto Colectivo en Acción | January 2025 Newsletter | Sign up for the Family Engagement Initiative Quarterly Updates | Stay in the loop of current work happening in Marin County around Family Engagement to learn how our parent group is working to develop strategies that
A Place-Based Vision for Marin
Where a family lives shouldn’t dictate their access to education, health, or economic opportunity—but in Marin County, it often does. Some places are thriving while others face barriers to opportunity. These disparities shape children’s futures long before they set foot in a classroom. Take a look at our vision to deepen our impact.
A Visit to West Marin: Reflections on the Strength and Struggles of a Rural Community
One of my main goals as I step into the role of CEO is to visit different parts of our county and listen to the voices of families, partners, and communities. Recently, I had the privilege of spending a day in West Marin—a region known for its beauty and rural charm, but also for the unique challenges its residents face.
Early Learning & Literacy Initiative: Updates & News (November 2024)
November 2024 Newsletter
