Measure G: A Crucial Juncture for Novato Unified Schools
This article digs into the tough spot Novato Unified School District faces as Measure G, a supplemental parcel tax, struggles to get enough votes. Let’s look at what Measure G actually is, how it could change things when paired with existing funding, and why the district’s finances are so shaky right now.
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The stakes here go beyond Novato. The outcome touches the broader educational landscape of Marin County and reflects how much communities like San Rafael and Sausalito care about their schools.
The Financial Tightrope: Understanding Measure G
Measure G sits at the center of all this. The district’s proposing a $249-per-parcel annual tax for eight years. As of Wednesday, it’s just not hitting the two-thirds mark it needs—support hovers around 60%.
That’s not enough. The district’s left in a tough spot, hoping for a last-minute shift that might not come.
A Modest Proposal in a Wealthy County
It’s worth putting Measure G in context. Homeowners in Novato, San Marin, and Loma Verde might wince at $249, but when you add it to the existing $251 from Measure A, the total hits $500 per parcel each year.
Even at $500, Novato’s still behind many other Marin districts. Tiburon, Belvedere, and Larkspur, for example, collect anywhere from about $624 to over $2,300 annually. That’s a big gap, and it matters.
Decades of Underfunding and Inflation’s Bite
Measure A, approved in 2023, brings in roughly $4.1 million a year for Novato Unified. But inflation keeps eating away at that amount.
The tax rate hasn’t budged since 2009. Over time, that’s really cut into what the district can actually do with the money.
The State’s Lowest Funding Per Student
Things get even tougher when you look at per-student funding. Novato Unified, with about 7,150 students from kindergarten through 12th grade—places like Olompali and Black Point included—gets the lowest per-student funding in Marin County under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
They get about $17,682 per student. The state average? $22,194. That’s a pretty glaring gap, and it leaves Novato kids at a disadvantage compared to others across California.
A “Qualified” Budget and Urgent Calls for Review
Earlier this year, the district’s budget landed in “qualified” status. That means there’s real doubt about whether Novato can meet its financial obligations this year and the next two.
Because of that, the county is pushing for outside reviews. They want the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) and an independent expert to dig into hiring, teacher retention, possible misassignments, and the district’s overall financial health—from Redwood Highway all the way out to the coast.
Proactive Cuts Amidst Uncertainty
Facing these pressures, Novato Unified trustees already signed off on $4.5 million in budget cuts. Layoffs are expected in the 2026–27 school year, and some cuts have started already.
It’s not pretty, but these choices show just how hard the district’s working to deal with the looming crisis.
The Debate: Necessity vs. Fiscal Prudence
Supporters of Measure G, including local groups and the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, are urging a “yes” vote. They say the supplemental tax is both necessary and affordable—a reasonable investment in Novato’s kids and their education.
Is it a small price to pay for the future? That’s the question hanging over Novato and its neighboring communities right now.
The Stakes are High for Novato’s Future
District leaders say they’re disappointed with the current voting trends. Still, they’re holding out hope that the final batch of late-arriving ballots might nudge Measure G past the critical two-thirds mark.
Education advocates aren’t mincing words. They warn that if Measure G fails, the district could face a real risk of insolvency, which would threaten local control over schools and the essential services students count on.
Here is the source article for this story: Novato voters stun school district with tax measure resistance
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