Novato Voters Decide Fate of Crucial School Funding: Measure G Hangs in the Balance
This blog post takes a look at the tense early returns for Novato’s Measure G. It’s a parcel tax that could make or break the Novato Unified School District’s budget.
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The stakes feel high, with local education and teacher retention up in the air. We’ll check out the early numbers, what it takes for the measure to pass, and what it might mean for students and teachers in Novato and, honestly, all over Marin County.
The Tight Race for Novato’s Schools
As officials count the votes, Novato waits and wonders. Early results for Measure G—a supplemental parcel tax meant to bring in much-needed money for the schools—show a race that’s too close for comfort.
This measure needs a two-thirds supermajority to pass. Right now, it hasn’t hit that mark, so district leaders are telling folks not to jump to any conclusions just yet.
The first wave of results shows a community that’s clearly paying attention. There are 4,828 “yes” votes, which is 59.61%, and 3,271 “no” votes, or 40.39%.
But that’s just the beginning. There are still thousands of ballots waiting to be counted, so nobody really knows which way it’ll go. You can feel the tension in Novato, and honestly, it’s a familiar feeling for anyone in Marin County who’s watched a school measure hang in the balance.
Superintendent’s Hope and the Measure’s Provisions
District superintendent Tracy Smith says she’s hopeful, pointing out that final tallies can sometimes surprise you. She believes that because this tax is about supporting academic programs and keeping good teachers, there’s a chance the numbers will swing their way once everything’s counted.
If Measure G passes, Novato Unified would see a big financial boost. The tax would double the current parcel tax, adding $249 per parcel each year for eight years.
There’s no planned increase during that time, so at least the amount stays steady. The measure also builds in exemptions for residents 65 and older and for people with disabilities, which feels like a fair move to protect those who might struggle most.
The Critical Need for Funding
The projected revenue from Measure G is pretty substantial—about **$4 million per year**. This new funding is set aside for crucial improvements like strengthening math, science, reading, and writing programs.
Most importantly, it aims to help attract and retain high-quality teachers and counselors. These folks really are the backbone of any solid school system, and let’s be honest, their work shapes our kids’ futures in ways that numbers can’t always capture.
This tax wouldn’t replace Measure A. Instead, it would exist alongside it. Measure A is that $251 parcel tax first passed back in 2009 and most recently renewed in 2023.
The fact that Measure A is still around says a lot about how Novato residents have stepped up to fill the gaps left by state funding. Now, that commitment faces another big test.
The push for Measure G feels even more urgent because Novato Unified is staring down a projected $9.5 million budget deficit for the 2026–27 school year. That’s already forced the district to start laying off staff and hunting for other ways to save money.
Marin’s Funding Disparities and the Path Forward
Novato Unified isn’t alone in these struggles—other districts in Marin face similar problems, even if the numbers look a little different. The district serves about 7,120 students spread across eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools.
Here’s the kicker: Novato Unified gets the lowest per-student Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding in Marin at $17,682. That’s a pretty big gap compared to the state average of $22,194.
This funding difference really highlights why local measures like Measure G matter so much. It’s not just about Novato; it’s a model that other places—think Tiburon, San Rafael, and the rest—are watching and maybe even hoping to follow.
The outcome of Measure G will directly affect Novato Unified’s academic programs and its ability to keep great teachers around. As we wait for the final vote count, it’s hard not to think about how much community support really does shape the schools our kids rely on. That’s a truth that resonates all over Marin County.
Here is the source article for this story: Novato schools Measure G trailing in early results
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