Dear LCMSD Community,

Last night, the LCMSD Board appointed and swore in Jessica Dinday as the next Trustee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Eric Schmautz. We were fortunate to have four highly qualified applicants, each bringing unique strengths, experiences, and a strong commitment to LCMSD. We sincerely appreciate the engagement of our community throughout this process.

As a parent who has had children attend all three LCMSD schools, Jessica brings a deeply rooted and well-rounded perspective to the Board. She has been an active and engaged volunteer in our district for many years, serving as PTO Co-President at Neil Cummins, helping lead major community-building initiatives, and contributing to districtwide collaboration efforts. Jessica also currently serves on the Hall Middle School Site Council, adding valuable school-level perspective to her work. Professionally, she brings extensive experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and program manager supporting children and families - expertise that aligns closely with our district’s commitment to student well-being, belonging, and academic success.

Jessica joins the Board with a strong history of partnership, service, and student-centered leadership. Congratulations Jessica!

Dear LCMSD Families,

In January 2025, LCMSD reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools for ALL students and families. Additionally, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the CA Safe Haven Schools and SAFE Acts into law in October 2025.

LCMSD is dedicated to:

• Protecting the rights and privacy of all students and families, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disability.

• Ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces for learning, free from fear, discrimination, or harassment.

• Following clear procedures should federal immigration authorities request access to our campuses.

Our district will not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on campus without prior legal authorization, and all staff have been informed of appropriate procedures if such a situation arises.

We understand that immigration-related concerns can be stressful for many families, and we want to ensure you have access to reliable information and support. Please see the resources below:

• Canal Alliance Alerts Flyer – Stay informed about immigration activities in Marin County by signing up for real-time updates via WhatsApp.

• Immigration Legal Services Flyer – Access legal assistance for immigration-related matters through Canal Alliance’s trusted services.

• What to do if ICE arrives in Marin [English | Spanish]

• MCOE Website with information and resources for families, both in Spanish and English.

At LCMSD, we believe that every child and family belongs, and we will continue working to provide an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please feel free to reach out to your school administrator, Daniel Norbutas, or me.

Thank you for your partnership in making our schools a welcoming place for all.

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

Dear LCMSD Parents and Families, 

I am writing to share important information about two new California laws, Assembly Bill 49 (AB 49) and Senate Bill 98 (SB 98), recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. These laws directly impact our school communities and reinforce our commitment to keeping all students safe and secure.

Our schools have been, and will continue to be, safe havens for every child. These new laws strengthen that promise by providing specific protections for our students and families.

What These New Laws Mean for You and Your Child

• Schools are Protected Spaces: Under AB 49, a law known as the California Safe Haven Schools Act, school employees are prohibited from allowing immigration enforcement officers to enter a non-public area of our campuses without a valid judicial warrant or court order. This law ensures that unauthorized immigration enforcement activities cannot disrupt your child's education or cause fear within our schools.

• Families Will Be Notified: SB 98, or the Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act, requires our district to immediately notify all students, parents, and staff if we confirm that immigration enforcement agents are present on a school campus. This ensures you have timely and accurate information to make the best decisions for your family.  

Our schools are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all students to learn and thrive. We want to be very clear that every child has a right to a free public education in California, regardless of their or their family’s immigration status. 

We will not share your child's personal information with immigration officials without a proper judicial warrant or court order.

For additional information about your child’s right to a public education and other resources, please visit the Marin County Office of Education website. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

• Growth in All Areas: English Language Arts (+2%), Math (+5%), and Science (+3%)

• More than 50% of students exceed math standards at all schools (and over 76% met or exceed standards)

• CAASPP student score reports for current 4th-8th graders can be accessed via Aeries

• District and school CAASPP data can be accessed here

• Detailed CAASPP Board Report

Dear LCMSD Community,

Today, the 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results were publicly released by the California Department of Education. They are available here. We’re excited to share that LCMSD students continue to excel as LCMSD CAASPP results show gains across all subjects:

• English Language Arts (ELA): +2%

• Mathematics: +5%

• Science: +3%

These results reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families. It is important to note that more than half of our students exceed standards in math at every school, with 76%+ meeting or exceeding standards.

Each spring, LCMSD students in grades 3-8 participate in the CAASPP assessments, which measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing aligned to California’s academic standards. These assessments provide one valuable snapshot of student learning - alongside daily classroom work, projects, and teacher feedback - to help us ensure every student is growing and thriving.

We are proud that this growth is being seen districtwide. The increases in all three subjects show that our long-term focus on literacy, Cognitively Guided Instruction in math, and data-driven interventions is making a difference. These efforts, combined with high-quality teaching, dedicated support staff, and strong family partnerships, are helping students reach new levels of success.

While we celebrate this continued progress, we also remain focused on helping every child meet or exceed state standards. Continuous improvement is part of our culture, and we will use these data to guide next steps in curriculum, instruction, and targeted support.

For families, individual CAASPP score reports for current 4th–8th graders are now available in Aeries. To access your child’s report, log in to Aeries Parent Portal and select Test Scores from the menu.

We invite you to review the detailed CAASPP Report shared at the September 17 Board Meeting for a deeper look at our district and school results.

Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff, and families - your hard work is paying off!

With pride and gratitude,

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Daniel Norbutas
Senior Director of Educational Services & Technology

Too Long, Didn’t Read (TLDR)

• Where’s My Teacher? Understanding Professional Development in LCMSD

• Becoming a Trustee Workshop – October 8 at 5:00 via Zoom; recording available October 9

• Superintendent Coffee Chat – October 17, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Neil Cummins (open forum)

• E-Bike Safety Reminder from CMPA

• “Let’s Talk” Parent Education – First Elementary Session

Dear LCMSD Community,

It’s been a full and engaging start to October! I want to thank the many families who participated in SPARK in the Park yesterday. Events like this help strengthen the connections that make LCMSD such a special place to learn and grow.

Also, today kicked off Parent-Teacher Conference Week, an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate growth, and discuss goals for the months ahead. We deeply appreciate the time and collaboration that go into these conversations - they are an essential part of our shared commitment to student success.

Below are a few additional updates and opportunities to connect this month.

Thank you,

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Where’s My Teacher? Understanding Professional Development in LCMSD
From time to time, you may hear that your child’s teacher is out for the day to participate in professional learning. These days are not just time away from the classroom - they are an essential part of how we continually grow as educators and strengthen teaching and learning across the district.

At LCMSD, we believe that ongoing professional growth is central to providing the best educational experience for our students. Our professional development framework is multi-layered and intentionally designed to build shared understanding, deepen expertise, and personalize growth.

We are fortunate to have three instructional coaches who guide much of this work:

• Lisa Capobianco – Literacy Coach

• Beth Hawkins – CGI Math Coach

• Nathan Beach – Depth and Complexity Coach (20%)

Our professional learning model includes several interconnected layers:

• Foundational PD – Full-day sessions designed to establish a shared, districtwide understanding of key initiatives and best practices.

• School-Level PD – Site-specific professional learning tied to each school’s goals, often integrated into staff meetings and site-based planning.

• Department (Hall) and Grade-Level (Elementary) Lab Days – Teachers collaborate in teams to analyze data, plan Tier 1 instruction, and engage in classroom-based learning experiences where strategies are modeled and practiced. These sessions are led by our instructional coaches, and substitutes are utilized to cover classrooms.

• EL Education Lab Days  – This year, teachers and administrators will also engage with EL Education staff developers through several Lab Days focused on modeling lessons and deepening understanding of our newly adopted literacy curriculum.

• Individual Coaching – At the most personalized level, teachers work one-on-one with instructional coaches who provide them support tailored to their classroom needs.

Our professional learning focus areas for 2025–26 include:

• Implementing EL Education in literacy across all schools

• Implementing Depth and Complexity at Hall Middle School

• Continuing support for Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) in mathematics

Through this intentional and layered approach, LCMSD educators continue to learn, reflect, and refine their practice, ensuring that every student benefits from high-quality, research-based instruction every day. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding when your child’s teacher is engaging in this important work. 

Becoming a Trustee Workshop: Wednesday, October 8 at 5:00 via Zoom (LINK)
With a current vacancy on the LCMSD Board of Trustees, this workshop is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about what it means to serve. Current Trustees and I will share information about the role, responsibilities, and appointment process. Whether you are considering applying or simply want to better understand Board governance, we encourage you to attend. A recording will be posted (HERE) on October 9 for anyone unable to join live.

Superintendent Coffee Chat: October 17, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Neil Cummins
Coffee chats are a great venue for parents to learn more and partner with our schools. This month’s chat will be open-ended - any and all questions are encouraged. As always, parents from all schools are welcome to attend.

E-Bike Safety Message from CMPA
The Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) reminds families that only certain e-bikes are legally permitted for student use; please see this letter from Chief Norton. Note, only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on LCMSD campuses and no e-scooters are allowed. For more information, please visit this website. Thank you for helping us keep students safe on their way to and from school.

Parent Education: “Let’s Talk” Series
Supported by the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) and Raising the Bar, we invite parents and caregivers to join the first elementary session of the Let’s Talk series on Wednesday, October 15, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Guest speaker Annie Egan, MA, will guide a discussion on key parenting topics, including:

• Different parenting styles

• Effective communication strategies

• Building strong, trusting connections with children

Trustee Seat Available on Governing Board

This communication is to announce the resignation of Eric Schmautz from the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District Board of Trustees on September 17, 2025. Eric has served on the Board since 2022 and was Board President in 2023-24. Eric was presented with a unique and exciting opportunity abroad and has made the difficult decision to step away from his role. We sincerely thank him for his years of dedicated service as a board member. Serving the community has always been one of Eric’s greatest passions, reflected not only in his role as Trustee but also as a long-time Rotarian. Through his Rotary connections, he helped facilitate scholarships for summer and after-school programming for students in need. He was also a champion of intervention, playing a key role in the Board’s commitment to use one-time funds to double intervention services last year and this year. Eric’s leadership and commitment to students leave a lasting impact on LCMSD, and we are deeply grateful for his service. We thank him for her service to the District. Please join me in wishing him the best with his family and his future endeavors.

Below is a copy of the Press Release announcing the vacancy on the Board created by the resignation. The remaining Trustees will accept (via the District Office) and review applications from qualified candidates residing within District boundaries, interview, and appoint a new Trustee within the 60-day period required by law and according to the following timeline:

Vacancy Announcement and Press Release

• October 8: Informational Meeting on “Becoming a Trustee” at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom (LINK). This Zoom will be recorded and posted (HERE) for those unable to attend. 

• October 8-October 24 (noon): Application Window. The application will be posted on October 8 on the home page of www.lcmschools.org under “News”. Applications must be dropped off at the District Office or emailed to kcleary@lcmschools.org by noon on October 24.

• November 12: A Special Board Meeting will be held to interview and appoint one of the candidates. This Special Board Meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m.  Candidates should plan on attending in person.

• November 12: Swear-In Appointee to serve on the Board as Trustee for the duration of the appointment.

The duration of the appointment is through the November 2026 Board meeting. 

Trustees encourage interested community members to apply and contact Superintendent Geithman (bgeithman@lcmschools.org) with any questions regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Governing Board and Trustees and/or attend the Informational Meeting or watch the recording of that meeting to be posted on October 9. We encourage interest and applications!

You may also wish to contact one of our current Trustees with questions, or to set up a time to talk, at the below email(s):

Amir Movafaghi, Board President, amovafaghi@lcmschools.org

Beth Blair, Vice President, bblair@lcmschools.org

Natalie Medved, Clerk, nmedved@lcmschools.org

Ava Fruin, afruin@lcmschools.org

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Press Release

Trustee Seat Available on Governing Board

September 23, 2025

Dr. Brett Geithman, Superintendent of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, announced that there is an open seat on the Governing Board, due to the resignation of Trustee Eric Schmautz. Applications will be available starting October 6, 2025, on the District’s website (www.lcmschools.org) under “LCMSD News” on the home page through the submission deadline. Completed applications must be submitted in person to the District Office, 230 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, or via email to kcleary@lcmschools.org, by noon on October 24, 2025,

Interested persons who live within the boundaries of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District and who are registered voters are welcome to apply for the vacancy. All applications will become public record and will be part of the November 12, 2025 Special Board Meeting packet.

An informational meeting on “Becoming a Trustee” will be held via Zoom (LINK) on October 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The recording will be posted on the home page of the District’s website on October 9, 2025. On this Zoom, the Superintendent will review the basic roles and responsibilities of the school board and individual trustees, and one or two Trustees may be present to answer questions.

The duration of the appointment is through the November 2026 Board meeting. Candidates will be interviewed (in person) during a Special Board Meeting on November 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. by the remaining Trustees. General inquiries from interested parties can be made by calling Karmela Cleary at (415) 927-6960 x5 or by emailing her at kcleary@lcmschools.org.

Interested parties wanting additional information may also contact the Superintendent directly at bgeithman@lcmschools.org. 

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