Renewal of school parcel tax on ballot

West Marin voters in the Shoreline Unified School District will decide on Nov. 3 whether to renew a $212 parcel tax with no increase for another eight years.

Measure L would replace the existing tax that is set to expire on June 21. The tax generates about $1 million annually, equal to about 7% of the district’s revenue.

That revenue enables the district to provide programs in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, and to maintain art and music programs, provide specialized reading and writing programs and attract and retain teachers.

The vote requires a twothirds majority to pass.

“The primary purpose of the parcel tax is to continue to support the programs listed above,” said Bob Raines, district superintendent.

“Like all school districts in California, we face fiscal challenges, but we are not looking to the parcel tax to help us address them,” he said. “As a matter of fact, this parcel tax measure, if passed, will provide slightly less revenue for the district than in the past, with the inclusion of a wavier for the primary residence of district residents over 65 years of age, or receiving Social Security benefits for a disability.”

First approved in 1984, Shoreline’s parcel tax has been renewed consistently ever since. It was last approved by voters in 2012 at a rate of $184.70 per year with a 2% annual increase.

Raines said the district in its ask for the tax renewal is foregoing the annual escalator that it has had in the past.

“Given the uncertainty that many of our residents are facing with regard to the economy, we felt that the district could be more conservative in its request to our voters,” Raines said.

Shoreline serves 510 students at five campuses: Bodega Bay, Tomales Elementary, Tomales High, Inverness and West Marin schools.

The district budget is $16.2 million annually.

None of the tax revenue will be used for administrative salaries or benefits, but funds can be used to pay for services related to the impact of the coronavirus crisis. Examples include social and emotional health of students, classroom technology upgrades and minor facilities repairs and improvements.

No arguments against the tax were filed with the Marin County Elections Department.