Why a tax? 

We are grateful to the people of San Anselmo and Fairfax for their long-standing financial support of RVSD schools. Support for high-performing public schools is a cornerstone of our community’s shared values. We are now asking our community to renew their support of our schools by supporting Measure E for RVSD.

 

Renewing our Commitment to Academic Excellence & Local Control

 

RVSD schools consistently perform in the top 10% of California’s schools despite state funding for RVSD dipping to the bottom 10%. These reductions have occurred even while California has fallen to 41st nationally in per pupil funding. Despite these challenges RVSD has been able to maintain the high standards we expect with very limited resources. Several of the schools in our district have received the prestigious California Distinguished School honor.

 

Since 1987 our community has augmented state funding with local fundraising. Local Parcel Tax funding currently represents 17% of our district’s annual operating budget. This critical source of funding is set to expire in 2028 and our Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to place a measure on the ballot of the May 6th election. Without this support our District may be required to significantly increase class sizes, lay-off as many as 40 of our teachers, and reduce core programs. Families move to our community for the celebrated public schools which in turn support our property values. Renewing this source of funding now allows the District to plan more efficiently and to ensure stability for our students and teachers in an uncertain climate.

 

Renewing RVSD's local funding will allow us to:

 

• Attract and retain highly qualified teachers

• Maintain core programs in math, science, reading, and writing

• Maintain small school sizes

• Maintain class sizes at current levels

• Maintain school libraries and librarians

• Secure funding for learning materials and science equipment

• Financial Accountability & Local Oversight

• All money raised would be devoted entirely to operating RVSD schools in San Anselmo/Fairfax & could not be diverted by the State to other schools or districts

• Annual adjustments will mean that there won't be multiple asks as inflation goes up

• None of the money raised will be applied to administrator salaries, pension obligations, or legal fees

• Use of revenue is subject to an annual, third-party audit

• Senior citizens would continue to be eligible for an exemption from Parcel Tax cost

• The measure would expire in 2034 and would require voter approval to extend

 

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