Measure A 01/27/26

Impartial analysis by County Counsel of Measure A

Lagunitas Elementary School District Special Parcel Tax Measure

Measure A

This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees of the Lagunitas Elementary School District. The existing Lagunitas Elementary School District parcel tax is set to expire on June 30, 2026. If this Measure is approved by two-thirds of the votes cast on this special tax proposal, the Lagunitas Elementary School District parcel tax will provide for an annual levy upon taxable parcels in the amount of $850 per parcel. The $850 tax will begin on July 1, 2026, and expire on June 30, 2035. Beginning on July 1, 2027, the rate of the special tax shall be increased by four percent (4%) each year.

An exemption from this special tax may be granted on any parcel owned by a person who uses the parcel as a principal place of residence and: (1) is 65 years of age or older; (2) receives Supplemental Security Income for a disability regardless of age; or (3) receives Social Security Disability Insurance benefits regardless of age and meets specific income guidelines from the federal government. The stated purposes for the funds raised by this special tax are to maintain current staffing levels, class sizes, and education programs, including science, physical education, art, music, and environmental studies. Stated purposes also include updating classroom instructional materials and support student services, reading intervention, counseling, and library.

Pursuant to the California Constitution Article XIIIB and applicable laws, the appropriations limit for the District will be adjusted periodically by the aggregate sum collected by levy of this qualified special tax.

s/BRIAN E. WASHINGTON
County Counsel

Argument in favor of Measure A

For over 30 years, the voters of the San Geronimo Valley have consistently supported local parcel tax measures to protect quality education in our public school. Measure A is a renewal—not a new tax—that ensures continued investment in outstanding teachers, caring support staff, and enriching programs and activities that make our school unique.

Measure A provides over 20% of our district’s annual budget, funding critical for classroom instructional aides, music, art, and other essential programs that make school relevant and exciting for students and families. The Lagunitas School District’s unique program and culture have provided the foundation for students who have excelled in academics, athletics, visual and performing arts and who have gone on to attend leading colleges and universities. Graduates report that our community school helped them develop the social skills, empathy and the sense of responsibility needed to thrive in high school, college and beyond.

A school like ours develops responsible citizens, attracts families and enhances property values; the entire community benefits from having a great public school. Measure A is fiscally responsible: It is a renewal, not a new tax and includes a 2.5% reduction in its earlier cost of living adjustment. Measure A also provides an exemption for homeowners 65 years and older and ensures that funds are applied only to items that have a direct impact on students.

If Measure A fails, the school would have to cut critical programs and services including small class sizes, instructional aides and enrichment programs. Such cuts would have devastating consequences for the school and the community.

Measure A ensures that Lagunitas, San Geronimo, Woodacre, and Forest Knolls students continue to benefit from a community-based public school that serves as a model for rural education throughout California.

Please join us in voting YES on Measure A.

JOHN CARROLL
Marin County Superintendent of Schools

DAVE CORT
Community Member

ALEXA DAVIDSON 

Executive Director, San Geronimo Valley Community Center

STEVE REBSCHER
Member, Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees

Argument against Measure A

No argument against Measure A was filed.