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Middle School Modernization Updates

Facilities Modernization Projects

AT A GLANCE

Draft EIR Public Comment Period Closed

The public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) closed on October 20, 2025. The District’s environmental consultant is reviewing all comments received.  All comments will be addressed in the Final EIR, which will include a Response to Comments section.

PEA – Public Comment Period: October 17 – November 18, 2025
The Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) is now available for public review and comment from October 17 through November 18, 2025.

You can review the PEA and find instructions for submitting comments below.

 

Key documents associated with the modernization project are available below and on the DTSC’s Envirostor webpage for review.

 

Modernization Project Overview 
This page provides current information on the Mill Valley Middle School Modernization Project, part of the District’s Measure G bond program.  The modernization effort is designed to provide a safe, modern learning environment that supports next-generation education while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency.  Key environmental documents - including the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) – are available for community review and comment.

 

EIR Overview

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluated multiple alternatives for modernizing the middle school. While the original proposal considered construction of an entirely new campus, rising geotechnical and soil disposal costs have made this option exceed the current Measure G bond budget. The District is therefore focusing on two cost-feasible alternatives:

1. Renovate the Existing MVMS Campus (425 Sycamore Avenue)

  • Modernizes the existing school through interior and exterior building upgrades, new landscaping, and a potential new STEM classroom building.
  • Provides a significantly upgraded campus with the look and function of a new school while staying within the current budget.

2. Build a New Middle School at 70 Lomita Avenue

  • Constructs a new middle school co-located with Edna Maguire Elementary.

Both options meet modern safety, security, and accessibility standards, enhance STEM learning opportunities, and replace aging infrastructure.

The public comment period closed on October 20, 2025.  The Districts environmental consultant is reviewing all comments received. All comments will be addressed in the Final EIR, which will include a Response to Comments section.

MVSD remains committed to transparency and collaboration with families, residents, and local agencies as it moves toward final environmental approvals and project selection.

 

PEA Findings

The Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) is available for public comment from October 17 to November 18, 2025. The PEA confirms that the current Mill Valley Middle School campus is safe for students and staff under present conditions.

Further testing requested by DTSC and Marin County was conducted over the summer and included taking samples of soil vapor, sub-slab vapor, and shallow soil sampling. The results of this additional testing are contained in the PEA available for public comment.

Key Findings:

  • The campus is safe for students and staff, and existing environmental conditions do not present a health hazard or elevated cancer risk.
  • Methane monitors located in all buildings and lower-level classrooms as an early warning system have detected no exceedances. 
  • Vapors in soil are not entering indoor air at levels of concern.

To enhance long-term protections, MVSD will install a sub-slab vapor mitigation system beneath the existing building if it is renovated. This system will be designed to prevent the potential infiltration of landfill gases and will be reviewed with DTSC and Marin County Environmental Health.

Oversight and Next Steps

  • DTSC will complete its review of the PEA and public comments before issuing its final determination.
  • The District will prepare a Mitigation Plan for installation of a sub-slab vapor mitigation system and any additional mitigation measures.
  • Ongoing post-closure monitoring of the former landfill area will continue under Marin County’s Local Enforcement Agency, with coordination from CalRecycle, regardless of which project option is selected.

How to Comment on the PEA Report

The District invites community input on the PEA.  All comments will be considered by DTSC as part of the PEA process.

Ways to Participate

View PEA

Submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on November 18:

  • jarroyo@mvschools.org
  • Mill Valley School District
    Attn: Julio Arroyo, Director of Maintenance and Operations
    411 Sycamore Avenue
    Mill Valley, CA 94941

Attend the PEA public hearing: Share your comments in person at the public hearing on November 20th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., at the Mill Valley Middle School Library, 425 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley.