Novato School District Seeks Supplementary Parcel Tax

Measure G on June ballot would charge $249 annually for 8 years to support programs and retain teachers

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:11pm

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An extremely abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, soft tones, depicting the blurred, hazy atmosphere of a school campus, conveying the uncertain future facing Novato's public education system without additional funding.The supplementary parcel tax aims to provide stable funding for Novato's underfunded public schools, preserving educational programs and opportunities for the community.Novato Today

The Novato Unified School District is asking voters to approve an additional $249 annual parcel tax for 8 years, on top of the existing $251 parcel tax, to generate $4 million per year to fund programs in math, science, reading, and writing, as well as attract and retain teachers and counselors. The district receives the lowest per-student funding in Marin County under the state's local control funding formula.

Why it matters

Novato's school district is underfunded compared to other districts in Marin County, receiving the lowest per-student funding in the region. This supplementary parcel tax is seen as a necessary step to maintain quality schools and educational programs in the community.

The details

Measure G on the June 2 ballot would charge Novato residents $249 annually for 8 years, on top of the existing $251 parcel tax under Measure A. The new tax would generate about $4 million per year to support programs in math, science, reading, and writing, as well as attract and retain teachers and counselors. The district currently receives $17,682 per student, compared to the state average of $22,194 per student.

  • Measure G will be on the June 2 ballot.
  • The Measure A parcel tax of $251 per year was most recently renewed in 2023 for 8 years.

The players

Novato Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of Novato, California, with about 7,120 students across 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools.

Joshua Braff

The chief finance officer for the Novato Unified School District.

Tim O'Connor

A Novato city councilmember and parent in the school district, who is one of five signers of the ballot argument in favor of Measure G.

Eric Lucan

The Marin County Supervisor who is one of five signers of the ballot argument in favor of Measure G.

Mary Jane Burke

The former Marin County Superintendent of Schools who is one of five signers of the ballot argument in favor of Measure G.

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What they’re saying

“Working in education, I see firsthand how critical stable funding is to maintaining quality schools. The reality is that California has not adequately funded its public education system. While NUSD can't fix that alone, Measure G is a reasonable and necessary step to help close the gap.”

— Tim O'Connor, Novato City Councilmember and District Parent

“I'm honored to be part of the Novato community, where we value investing in our children. This parcel tax supports arts, athletics and opportunities that define a well-rounded education.”

— Mary Jane Burke, Former Marin County Superintendent of Schools

“Measure G is locally controlled funding that will help Novato schools recruit and retain the best teachers for our classrooms.”

— Fran Rozoff, Retired Novato Unified School District Educator

What’s next

Voters in Novato will decide on Measure G, the supplementary parcel tax, in the June 2 election.

The takeaway

Novato's school district is significantly underfunded compared to other districts in Marin County, receiving the lowest per-student funding in the region. This parcel tax measure is seen as a necessary step to maintain quality educational programs and attract and retain teachers in the community.