Measure C News

After more than two years of planning and public participation, Mill Valley School District voters approved Measure C on November 3, 2009.

Measure C authorizes the District to issue up to $59.8 million in bonds to pay for Phase 1 of the Facilities Master Plan . Measure C  was approved by 66.5% of registered voters who voted in the November 3 general election. Measure C require  a minimum of 55% voter approval.  

The Facilities Master Plan is the comprehensive plan developed over two years by the District and its Facilities Master Plan Committee.  It serves as the blueprint that addresses the District’s future capital and infrastructure needs. The Facilities Master Plan Committee was appointed by the Board of Trustees and was comprised of parents, teachers, administrators and community members.

Measure C Summary 

Ballot Summary

“To reconstruct and modernize Mill Valley elementary and middle schools, including installing  and constructing fire safety, emergency communications, seismic and disabled access improvements; providing sufficient space for students; and repairing or replacing outdated plumbing, electrical and other vital systems and facilities, shall the Mill Valley School District be authorized to issue $59,800,000 in bonds for Phase 1 of the approved Facilities Master Plan, and establish a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to ensure all expenditures are made according to the plan?”

Findings

The Mill Valley School District for many years has relied on its existing, but limited capital-improvement resources to maximize the use of its aging elementary and middle school facilities while keeping them safe for students, teachers and staff.  

To identify the most cost-effective, responsible and timely approach for addressing its long-term facilities and school safety needs, the Mill Valley School District conducted a more than two-year process of study and assessment that included extensive staff and public participation and input.  The resulting comprehensive Facilities Master Plan will serve as a decision making guide for the District as it strives to provide a safe learning and work environment conducive to high levels of student learning.

Financing the Facilities Master Plan through a bond measure is the most cost-effective way to pay for long-term capital improvements; and, the amount of this bond is within the limits allowed by state law.

This bond measure is needed to complete Phase 1 of the Facilities Master Plan with the primary focus on keeping school buildings safe, meeting the District’s immediate need for adequate classroom space and avoiding expensive patchwork repairs to Edna Maguire Elementary School that would cost nearly as much to make as reconstructing the school.       

Proceeds from this bond measure will only be spent to improve and upgrade the Mill Valley School District ’s elementary and middle school facilities, cannot be taken away by the state and can only be spent on items specified in the Project Plan, with oversight by an independent Citizens Oversight Committee.

Read the full Resolution approved by the Board to Trustees placing Measure C on the ballot.

Read the Resolution on Sustainability and the Design and Construction of High Performance Schools.