Marin Voice: Ross Valley’s investment in public education matters 

Public education is often referred to as the great equalizer. But in California today, the quality of a child’s education increasingly depends not just on state funding formulas, but on the willingness of local communities to invest in their schools.

For Ross Valley, this reality is impossible to ignore.

Our district ranks 959th out of 995 districts in California for state funding. In simple terms, we are among the least-funded districts in the state when it comes to public dollars. And yet, our schools consistently rank in the top 5% statewide for student performance.

That contrast reflects years of dedication, strong community values and the real limits of doing more with less.

California’s school funding system, while well-intentioned, does not reflect the true cost of providing a high-quality education in high-cost communities like ours. State formulas don’t adequately account for regional cost-of-living differences, rising operational expenses, or the increasing academic and social-emotional needs of today’s students. As a result, districts like Ross Valley must stretch every dollar just to maintain what families expect from strong public schools.

Despite chronic underfunding, our district has built programs that serve students academically, socially and emotionally. In 2025, two of our schools were honored with the California Distinguished School Award, recognizing sustained academic excellence and a commitment to closing achievement gaps. Our middle school was also named a “national school to watch,” an honor awarded to campuses that demonstrate innovative teaching, strong student engagement and effective support during the critical middle school years.

These outcomes didn’t happen by chance. They come from years of dedication by teachers, staff, families and community members who show up every day for our students.

Our teachers, in particular, deserve recognition. They are highly experienced, deeply committed to their students and consistently deliver outstanding results. Yet they are also among the lowest-paid teachers in our county. That is not something to celebrate. It is a warning. As surrounding districts offer higher salaries and more competitive benefits, retaining excellent educators becomes increasingly difficult.

Community investment is not about extras or luxuries. It is about protecting what works: keeping class sizes manageable; preserving academic enrichment, arts and music; recruiting and retaining outstanding teachers; and ensuring students have access to counseling, mental health supports and safe learning environments. In many cases, these supports exist only because of local funding, not state dollars.

Without continued investment, even high-performing districts face real tradeoffs. Across California — and here in Marin — districts are cutting programs and asking staff to do more with less. Success is not self-sustaining. Without support, it slips away.

It is reasonable to ask why a high-performing district needs additional support. The answer is simple: Strong schools require ongoing investment. Performance today does not guarantee stability tomorrow, especially in a system where funding does not keep pace with costs.

Public education is more than a line item on a state balance sheet. It is a shared responsibility and a long-term investment in our community. The students in our classrooms today will shape Ross Valley as our future workforce, leaders, innovators and neighbors. Their success benefits us all.

Our district has shown what is possible, even under some of the most challenging funding conditions in the state. Imagine what more we could do with resources that match our determination and performance.

As the community discusses the future of Ross Valley schools, input matters. The district recently held a special board meeting to gather public feedback on the terms and timing of a potential parcel tax. The RVSD Board of Education will be taking action on the timing and terms of a future parcel tax measure at its regular meeting on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. The board meets at 100 Shaw Drive in San Anselmo.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting or to provide their thoughts via the online survey at bit.ly/4bmUfrz. Community members may also email comments to the Board of Trustees at Trustees@rossvalleyschools.org.

Choosing to invest locally in our schools sends a clear message to students, educators and one another — that education matters here, and that we are committed to keeping our schools thriving.

Rachel Litwack is president of the Ross Valley School District Board of Trustees.