The boards of San Rafael City Schools and the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District appointed new members this month. In San Rafael, Kennedy Rodas-Dias, who attended city schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, was appointed to the District 5 seat on Nov. 18. The district includes the Canal neighborhood and surroundings. The seat used to be occupied by Isai Nicodemo Rodas, who resigned Oct. 7 in the aftermath of his arrest on sexual assault allegations. The Marin County District Attorney’s Office has not filed charges. Rodas-Dias will serve a one-year term on the board. Then an election will be held for a candidate to fill the final two years of Rodas’ term. Rodas-Dias, who speaks English and Spanish, is employed as a civil rights paralegal at a law office. He graduated from San Rafael High School and has a bachelor’s degree from California State University at Chico. He also is a member of the San Rafael police oversight committee. Carmen Diaz Ghysels, the district superintendent, said Rodas-Dias brings skills in legal research, policy analysis and public communication to the board. “He is passionate about student success, educational equity and improving school resources,” Diaz Ghysels said. “We look forward to his service to our students, families, staff and the greater community.” San Rafael board president Carolina Martin agreed. “Kennedy stood out to me as an exceptional fit,” Martin said. “As someone who grew up and was educated in our district, he understands the needs of our students and families firsthand.” At the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, Jessica Dinday was appointed Nov. 12 to fill a board vacancy. The previous trustee, Eric Schmautz, resigned in September because of a job relocation out of the area. Dinday, a counselor and volunteer with the Neil Cummins Elementary School parent-teachers organization, will serve through next November, when Schmautz’s term expires. She said her children have attended each of the three schools in the district. “I have a deep appreciation for the district’s commitment to excellence in education and student, family and staff well-being,” Dinday said. “I am eager to contribute my perspective, shaped by my volunteer and professional experiences.” Dinday has a master’s degree in counseling from California State University at Hayward. She is employed as a clinical supervisor at a San Francisco counseling center for children and families. Amir Movafaghi, the Larkspur-Corte Madera board president, said Dinday’s “deep involvement in the community” will be valuable. “She’s been following our board discussions for a while,” Movafaghi said. “She had really clear thoughts and a passion about the topics we’ve been prioritizing in the district, such as advanced academics and being thoughtful about the use of technology in the classrooms.”.
https://www.marinij.com/2025/11/26/two-marin-school-districts-appoint-new-trustees/
Two Marin school districts appoint new trustees
