In Marin County’s Ross Valley, voters are about to weigh in on Measure H in the June 2 election. This parcel tax proposal could significantly boost the district’s funding to protect classrooms, teachers, and core programs across five campuses that serve roughly 1,720 students.
The Ross Valley School District says the increase is crucial. Without it, they warn about deep cuts, possible elementary school closures, and layoffs—while still trying to keep tuition-like costs manageable for local families in towns near San Anselmo, Fairfax, Kentfield, and Mill Valley.
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Measure H at a Glance
Ross Valley voters will decide whether to raise the current annual parcel tax from $742 to $1,282 per year—a $540 jump. The measure would keep the existing 3% annual cost-of-living adjustment to help with inflation.
Supporters point out that, even with the increase, the district’s tax rate would still lag behind neighboring Marin districts. That’s a sticking point for some folks who want to see parity but not a runaway tax bill.
Measure H also calls for a citizen oversight committee to keep an eye on spending. The tax would expire in 10 years, so future renewals would be necessary to keep the funding going.
The district stresses that this is local funding, not state money. They say it’s how they can keep class sizes small, retain teachers, and maintain a solid academic program.
What Measure H Would Change
- Raise the parcel tax from $742 to $1,282 per year, with the 3% COLA sticking around each year.
- Keep the flat parcel format instead of moving to a property-size-based levy, which was a concern before.
- Set up a citizen oversight committee to watch over spending.
- End the measure after 10 years, so it doesn’t just roll on automatically.
- Continue senior exemptions for eligible homeowners—about 28% of parcels already use these exemptions.
- Keep funding about a quarter of district revenue, a big chunk that supports staff and classroom services across RVSD.
Why Supporters Back Measure H
Supporters say Ross Valley School District gets some of the lowest per-pupil funding in California. That’s put pressure on teacher pay and program quality, and honestly, it’s not just an abstract issue—it’s about keeping good teachers in the classroom.
The district points out that five strong teachers left last year for higher-paying jobs in Reed Union schools. They worry that trend could continue if funding doesn’t keep up.
Supporters also mention polling that shows broad community support for protecting small class sizes and core academics. The Marin Independent Journal and other local editorial boards have urged a “yes” vote, praising the area’s long commitment to strong public schools.
They also note that, even with Measure H, the tax would stay below levels in Kentfield, Mill Valley, and the Ross elementary district. That’s not lost on voters who want quality schools but also care about tax fairness.
Why Critics Question the Increase
Critics think the increase is steep, especially in a pricey place like Marin County where homeowners already juggle plenty of property expenses. They argue the district should look for a smaller increase or find efficiencies before asking taxpayers to pay more.
Some critics worry about the burden, but supporters say Measure H targets long-underfunded needs. The oversight committee is supposed to make sure the money goes where it’s promised.
Even with the proposed hike, RVSD’s parcel tax would still be lower than those in nearby districts. That’s a point both sides keep bringing up in debates over equity and how Marin’s school districts stack up with each other.
Local Context and What This Means for Marin Towns
All over Marin County—from San Anselmo and Fairfax to Larkspur, and up into the hills near Ross and Kentfield—folks are debating how much local control over school funding really matters. Measure H would hand a decade-long funding tool to the Ross Valley community, with some oversight to keep things in check.
In these towns, strong public schools are basically the heartbeat of the community. People see this vote as a way to keep class sizes manageable, protect teaching jobs, and maintain academic quality for families who’ve chosen Marin’s popular school neighborhoods.
San Rafael families and others in Marin are eyeing the ballot box, thinking about more than just the cost. They’re weighing the bigger picture—how this could affect classroom stability and the quality of programs their kids rely on.
This decision could make or break RVSD’s chances of attracting and keeping great teachers. It might also determine whether the district can keep offering the kind of K-8 education that Marin County residents expect, especially in a place where school reputation ties so closely to property values and that sense of community pride.
Turnout’s climbing in places like Mill Valley, Ross, and Kentfield. So, will Measure H pass? Will it really lock in a new era of local control, transparency, and educational excellence for Ross Valley? Hard to say, but folks are watching.
Here is the source article for this story: Editorial: IJ supports Measure H for Ross Valley School District
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