Argument against Measure E

Sneaky Tax. The high-turnout November 2024 election was crowded with other tax measures. So Ross Valley School District decided to skip it and increase its parcel tax 67% on a May ballot when most taxpayers aren’t paying attention. Vote NO.

Manipulative, expensive special elections cherry-pick voters. In November’s statewide election 3 times as many Ross Valley School District residents voted as compared with the last off-year election. Ross Valley School District’s consultant advised how a low turnout election — costing more — makes it easier to pick their voters and pass a tax.

Property owners’ pain accelerating. In 2010, 2012, and 2018 Ross Valley School District put tax measures on your ballot. Now they want 67% MORE parcel tax dollars for 2025/6. Skyrocketing fire insurance and utilities bills, plus a new Tamalpais Union High School District tax, add to next year’s agony.

Times are too uncertain to join an “arms-race” for teachers. We’re entering a period of exceptional uncertainty under an unpredictable Federal administration. It’s premature to commit to an additional tax. Teachers are an invaluable resource, but Bay Area school enrollment is plummeting. Competing districts are cutting staff after jumping salaries with pandemic funds that have now expired.

Ross Valley School District must live within its means. Administrators’ salary increases typically mirror teacher salaries’ percentage increase. Ross Valley School District should limit compensation for its 10-12 administrators earning $150,000-plus. Other options include closing the district office building, sharing administrators, and/or wooing charter school students and their funding back into Ross Valley School District.

A tax you don’t pay can hurt you. Renters, businesses, and seniors beware! Measure E’s per square foot assessment hits large property owners hard; they’ll increase rents on apartments and businesses. Seniors are hurt by outmigration of friends and family who can’t afford more.

Ross Valley School District should return in June 2026 after a more inclusive public process to build support for a better, balanced plan. Vote NO on Measure E.

COALITION OF SENSIBLE TAXPAYERS
President, Mimi Willard, CFA

PASCAL SISICH
Former Planning Commissioner and Tax Oversight Committee Member

DEBORAH BENSON
Accountant and RVSD Parent Alumna

BENEDETTO CICO
San Anselmo Resident and Business Owner

MICHAEL MACKINTOSH
Fairfax Business Owner