Frequently Asked Questions
How are San Rafael City Schools doing?
San Rafael City Schools (SRCS) is committed to providing a high-quality education, especially during these challenging times with COVID-19 and remote learning. We appreciate the community and parents, teachers and staff working together to support students. High-quality schools help maintain quality of life and keep San Rafael a desirable place to live.
How is SRCS addressing COVID-19?
San Rafael City Schools strives to promote the health, safety and success of students, families, teachers and staff. As the District navigates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will continue to follow public health protocols and work with parents, teachers and the larger community to ensure that in-person learning is done as safely as possible.
As of late March, in-person learning options are available to all SRCS students. Students in grades TK-5 grade are
back in schools for five days a week with no more remote learning, while grades 7-12 are currently using a hybrid schedule with the hopes of a full return to 100% in-person learning this spring.
How has local parcel tax funding supported SRCS schools and students?
For over 30 years, local parcel tax funding has helped to keep high-quality teachers in the classroom and maintain strong academic programs at District elementary, middle schools and high schools. SRCS’s first parcel taxes, one for the elementary district and one for the high school district, were approved by voters in 1989 and renewed by local voters in 1995, 1998, 2005, and 2013. This funding, which cannot be taken away by the State or other school districts, is set to expire next year.
Isn’t the District receiving money from state and federal governments for COVID related issues?
Yes. However, while SRCS and other districts are receiving a large amount of funds from both the state and federal governments for Covid relief, this money is targeted towards learning loss (summer school, after school programs, etc) as well as technology and facilities funding. It is also one-time funding that can't be used to support lower class sizes and to pay for teachers’ salaries as the parcel tax does.
What happens if the parcel taxes expire?
If these parcel taxes expire, the District would lose over $7 million per year in funding, which would come at a time when the District is having to dedicate a substantial of funds to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in San Rafael schools. Additional cuts of this magnitude would require laying off teachers and reductions in services and academic programs.
What is the District’s plan to address the expiring parcel taxes?
On January 25, the SRCS Board of Education unanimously placed Measures G & H on the May 4, 2021 ballot regarding local parcel tax funding. Measure G would impose a tax of $232 per parcel for District local high schools, while Measure H would impose a tax of $323 per parcel for elementary and middle schools.
How would Measures G & H proceeds be used by San Rafael City Schools?
If approved by 67.7% of voters, funds from Measures G & H may only be used for voter approved purposes, including:
- • Enhancing math, science, technology, music and art instruction
- • Attracting and retaining quality teachers
- • Protecting quality core academic instruction programs like math, science, reading
- • Maintaining small class sizes
- • Preparing students for college and 21st-century careers
What fiscal accountability provisions are included?
Funds from Measures G & H must stay in SRCS and cannot be taken away by the State or other school districts. No funds may be spent on administrator salaries. Both measures would be in place for eight years only and cannot be extended without a vote of the people. Measures G & H require an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to continue to review the use of funds and report their findings to the public. Annual independent audits are required.
Why are there two measures, and what is the difference between them?
San Rafael City Schools comprises San Rafael City Elementary School District, which serves elementary and middle school students in the City of San Rafael and the surrounding neighborhoods, and San Rafael High School District, which serves the students who graduated from San Rafael Elementary School District and Miller Creek Elementary School District.
Although these districts are governed jointly, they have differing boundaries, so a separate measure must be placed on the ballot for each one. This means that the proceeds from Measure H will benefit elementary and middle schools, and the proceeds from Measure G will benefit high schools. Residents of San Rafael City Elementary School District will vote on both measures, while residents of the Miller Creek Elementary School District will only vote on Measure G.
How much would Measures G & H cost?
If approved, Measure G would provide approximately $5.4 million in annual funding for local high schools by renewing the current $196 rate and adding $36 per parcel for a total of $232 per parcel. Measure H would provide approximately $5 million in annual funding for local elementary and middle schools by renewing the current rate of $287 and adding $36 per parcel for a total of $323 per parcel. Both measures include 3% annual adjustments to account for inflation and would automatically expire after eight years.
How long would Measures G & H be in place?
If approved, Measures G & H would automatically expire after eight years and cannot be extended without voter approval.
Didn’t the District recently place Measures A and B on the ballot?
Measures A and B, passed in 2015, are local bond measures. A bond measure provides local funding to make improvements to classrooms, buildings and facilities, whereas a parcel tax provides funding that can be used for teachers, academic programs or classroom supplies and technology. Visit www.srcsbondprogram.org for information on how the proceeds of Measures A and B are being used by the District.
I don’t have children in school, how would Measures G & H impact me?
The quality of schools impacts the quality of life in the community and the value of homes. Additionally, all property owners, regardless of whether they have students in the District would be required to pay the tax.
What communities or neighborhoods will Measures G & H impact?
San Rafael Elementary School District serves elementary and middle school students in the City of San Rafael and the surrounding neighborhoods. San Rafael High School District serves the students who graduated from San Rafael Elementary School District and Miller Creek Elementary School District. The proceeds from Measures G & H would be used to fund programs for schools and students across San Rafael City Schools.
When is the election?
Measures G & H will appear on the ballot on May 4, 2021. All registered voters in San Rafael City Schools would be eligible to participate in the election.
How can I participate in the election?
The May 4, 2021 election will be conducted entirely by mail. All registered voters will be mailed a ballot the week of April 5, 2021.
How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Marin County Registrar of Voters at (415) 473-7000 or visit www.marincounty.org/depts/rv.
