Mill Valley schools plan measure to upgrade buildings

A $194 million bond measure to pay for building upgrades in the Mill Valley School District is on June 7 election ballot.

Measure G, if approved by 55% of district voters, would levy an average tax of $26 per $100,000 of assessed valuation on properties in the district.

The bond proceeds, estimated at approximately $9.3 million annually, would pay for modernization of school buildings, including: adding classrooms for transitional kindergarten; improving and adding outdoor learning and play spaces; and rebuilding facilities at Mill Valley Middle School.

“We're excited to bring Measure G to the Mill Valley voters, who have consistently supported our schools and helped enable our district to provide our students with an excellent education,” Emily Uhlhorn, a district trustee, said Friday.

“Passing Measure G will allow us to upgrade, repair and replace our aging facilities — ensuring that our learning spaces are up to date, energy efficient, ADA compliant and wellsuited to prepare our students for high school and beyond,” Uhlhorn said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The board of trustees approved a facility master plan last year to guide building improvements over the next 10 years for the district's five elementary schools and Mill Valley Middle School. The district serves about 2,415 students.

The upgrades to be financed by Measure G would include: repairing and replacing leaky roofs and windows and outdated electrical and plumbing systems; expanding and upgrading science, technology, engineering and math classrooms, labs and learning technology to meet current instructional standards; and improving accessibility for students with disabilities.

The district also aims to add solar panels and improve energy efficiency; replace outdated heating and ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality; and improve earthquake and fire safety

Funds from the bond sales in Measure G can only be used for facilities, not for salaries or benefits, according to the county elections department. The bond measure would include the formation of an independent oversight committee.

No arguments were filed in opposition to Measure G, the county elections department said.