Novato Unified School District
Shall the measure to preserve excellent education and quality teaching for Novato Unified School District students, with local funding the State cannot take away, and to maintain quality core academic instruction in math, science, reading and writing; and attract and retain qualified teachers and counselors; by levying $249 per parcel, providing $4,000,000 annually, for 8 years, with independent citizens’ oversight, exemptions for senior citizens, no funds for administrators, with all funds staying local for Novato students be adopted?
YES NO
Votes required to pass: 2/3 voter approval.
Arguments and Rebuttals in "support of" or in "opposition to" the proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.
Impartial analysis by County Counsel of Measure G
NOVATO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL PARCEL TAX MEASURE
MEASURE G
This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees of the Novato Unified School District.
If this Measure is approved by two-thirds of the votes cast on this special tax proposal, the existing Novato Unified School District parcel tax of $251 per parcel will be supplemented with a new annual levy upon all parcels of $249 per parcel. The supplemental tax will begin on July 1, 2026, and expire on June 30, 2034. The Novato Unified School District Board of Trustees estimates revenue from this Measure will be approximately $4 million dollars annually.
The existing Novato Unified School District parcel tax previously approved by voters in 2023 will continue as scheduled regardless of the outcome of this Measure.
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 attract and retain highly qualified teachers; maintain science, math, reading and writing programs; maintain school counseling programs; support student mental health, music and arts; provide counseling for students; and keep schools safe and well-maintained.
Pursuant to the California Constitution Article XIII B 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 G
Vote YES on G to preserve excellent education and quality teaching in Novato schools.
Having a great teacher in the classroom is the most important element of providing a quality education to local students. Measure G is locally controlled funding that will help Novato schools recruit and retain the best teachers for our classrooms. Additionally, Measure G continues to fund critical basic programs, including math, science, reading, and writing.
Novato Unified School District has the lowest per student funding in Marin County and receives 20% less funding per student than the California state average.
Every penny from Measure G will benefit local elementary, middle and high schools in Novato, and cannot be controlled by the State. Furthermore, none of the funds from Measure G can be taken by the federal government or the State of California.
Vote YES on G to:
- Maintain quality academic instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing
- Attract and retain qualified teachers and counselors
- Support quality teaching in Novato schools
Local control stays in Novato:
- Measure G funds must be used to support Novato schools and cannot be taken by the state or federal government
- By law, funds cannot be used for administrator salaries or pensions
- Independent citizens’ oversight, annual audits, and public disclosure ensure all funds are spent as promised
- Senior citizens continue to be eligible for a full exemption from the cost
Novato Unified School District has award-winning teachers. Measure G will help retain teachers by providing them with the resources they need to stay and help our students succeed.
Whether or not you have school-aged children, supporting quality local schools is an essential investment that protects property values, our quality of life and supports future generations.
Join parents, teachers, seniors, longtime residents, business and community leaders — vote YES on G to support quality education in Novato schools.
ERIC LUCAN
President, Marin County Board of Supervisors
MARY JANE BURKE
Former Marin County Superintendent of Schools
TIM O’CONNOR
Novato City Councilmember; NUSD Parent
FRAN ROZOFF
Retired Educator; NUSD Grandparent
TARA-CAPRICE BROADWATER
Local Business Owner
Argument against Measure G
No argument against Measure G was filed.