10/4/17
The current property tax bills for ‘School Bonds’ includes both the College of Marin and Novato Unified. Below is the breakdown:
School Bonds * .1422 or $142.20 per $100,000 Assessed Value (net value)
*Includes NUSD Bonds and College of Marin Bond(s)
NUSD
2001 Bond $53.80 per $100,000
2016 Bond $54.60 per $100,000
Total $108.40 per $100,000
College of Marin
Bond $33.80 per $100,000
Novato Schools
Also on the Property Tax bill is “Novato Schools” for $251. That is the parcel tax that was passed in 2014 with no inflators and supports programs in the district.
More Information on NUSD’s 2016 $222 Million Bond Measure
In November 2016, the Novato community passed a $222 million bond to modernize schools and support 21st Century learning. In 2001, Novato voters passed a $107 million bond measure to repair and improve NUSD schools built in the 1960s and 1970s. These 2001 bond funds were fully expended in 2010.
There are currently two issuances of bond remaining from the 2001 Measure and they will be fully paid by 2029.
Below is a table of current outstanding bonds which includes the $51 million bond sale in the spring of 2017 (First Series of the 2016 Bond):
| Bond Measure | Series | Rate per $100,000 Assessed Valuation | Purpose |
| 2001 | 2011 & 2014 Refinance | $53.80 | Update Aging School Buildings |
| 2016 | 2017 | $54.60 | Modernizing Schools and Supporting 21st Century Learning |
The 2016 Bond Measure, in the amount of $222 million, will be used for some updates and repairs to buildings, roofs, and systems. The remaining bond proceeds will be used to enhance, redesign and improve learning spaces to support teaching and learning necessary for 21st Century students including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) classrooms, performing arts learning centers, multi-purpose rooms, libraries, playing fields and classroom technology. Additionally, funds are designated to improve the safety systems at all schools. Bonds will be issued in series beginning in 2017 through 2025 with 25-year maturities; short-term bonds with 5-year maturities will be issued to fund technology purchases.
California School Districts receive the majority of their funding (revenue) from the State of California, the Federal government and local sources. For the 2016-2017 NUSD budget, 83% of the revenues are provided by the State of California, 4% are from the Federal government, and the remaining 13% are from local sources. A parcel tax, as approved by Novato voters in 2014 provides approximately half of the District’s local funding. These funds are used to support instructional programs, school site maintenance and operations, technology, insurance, utilities and administrative functions.
| PARCEL TAX | |||
| Election Date | Expiration Date | Amount | Purpose |
| 5/6/2014 | 6/30/2022 | $251.00 per parcel | Program Support |
In the past, school districts received specific funding from the State of California for deferred maintenance including roof and system repairs, paving, painting and other building enhancements to extend the life of school buildings. This funding was eliminated during the Great Recession.
School districts receive limited funding for capital improvements or building of new school facilities through the collection of Developer Fees. These fees are levied on new residential or commercial properties, as well as additions to residential or commercial properties. During the 2015-2016 school year, Novato Unified School District (NUSD) collected approximately $170,000 in Developer Fees, and have budgeted $100,500 for the 2016-2017 year. The State of California does have a school facility program; however, it currently has no funding. This state facility program is supported by bond sales by the State of California.