What sets Larkspur-Corte Madera schools apart?

Thanks to dedicated teachers, safe school facilities, and strong support from the community, Larkspur-Corte Madera School District (LCMSD) provides local K-8 students with a quality education, preparing them for success in high school, college, and careers. LCMSD schools consistently rank among the highest-performing in the state — and Measure D helps ensure that continues.

What is the state of Larkspur-Corte Madera classrooms and school facilities?

While well-maintained, many classrooms, science labs, and school facilities need updates to support current instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math. Funding is needed to address student and school security, aging roofs, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems to ensure safe, modern learning environments that meet today’s education and safety standards.

What is Measure D? 

To ensure Larkspur-Corte Madera schools meet current instructional and safety standards, the LCMSD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place Measure D, a local school improvement bond measure extension on the June 2, 2026, ballot. If passed, Measure D will help the District qualify for up to $7.9 million in state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

Specifically, how will Measure D be used to complete needed improvements?

Measure D will provide $44 million in locally controlled school funding to:

• Improve student and school safety with upgraded emergency and fire safety systems, perimeter fencing, and more

• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems

• Update classroom technology systems and labs for science, technology, engineering, and math

• Implement sustainability and resilience projects, including drainage improvements

• Repair and upgrade sports and athletic facilities, ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities

• And more

How do I know funds from Measure D will be used responsibly?

Measure D will require strict fiscal accountability protections, including:

• All funds remain under local control for LCMSD schools, and could not be taken by the State or Federal government

• No funds could be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions

• Citizens’ Oversight Committee, independent audits, and annual public reports of all spending to ensure funds are spent as promised

Will all Measure D funds benefit all schools in LCMSD? 

Yes. Funds will be locally controlled and will benefit all Larkspur-Corte Madera School District schools. No funding could be taken away by the State or Federal Government or used for other purposes. 

Is there any other way to maintain and improve our schools? 

LCMSD has very few options when it comes to funding the necessary repairs and updates that our schools need. The State does not provide funding for facilities updates without local matching funds. Redirecting funds in the current budget would take resources out of our classrooms and away from our students. Measure D will provide the funding needed to fix and update school facilities to ensure we can continue to provide safe and high-quality education for all local students. Measure D will help the District qualify for up to $7.9 million in state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

Would my tax rate increase if Measure D is passed?

No. Measure D will simply extend the current rate previously approved by voters in 2000, with Measure A, at ~$24 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value annually.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.

Are senior exemptions available?

No. State law does not allow for exemptions to be applied to bond measures. However, because the cost of a bond measure is based on the original purchase price of a home, residents who have lived in their homes a long time have the lowest assessed values and will pay the least toward the cost of Measure D.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

Even if you do not have school-age children, funding quality education improves the quality of life in the community and protects the value of our homes.

Didn’t we already pass a bond measure?

In 2014, voters in the LCMSD community passed Measure D, which authorized a $19 million school facilities bond measure. You can read about completed and ongoing Measure D projects here: Measure D Construction Summary - 2015

However, over the past 10+ years, critical school facility needs have been identified. LCMSD has recently conducted a comprehensive update of its Facilities Strategic Plan for 2026-2036 to reassess school site conditions and long-term priorities. Learn more here: Facilities Strategic Plan

Has LCMSD used funds from previous measures responsibly? 

Yes. The 2014 Measure D Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee has found that LCMSD completed projects on time and aligned with voter-approved priorities. The oversight committee reports can be viewed at: COC Meetings

LCMSD has a track record of strong financial stewardship, saving taxpayers $6.8 million from the District’s 2021 bond refinancing.

What level of support does a bond measure need to pass? 

Measure D needs to be supported by 55% of local voters in order for it to pass. All registered voters living in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District are eligible to vote on the measure. 

How can I help?

The most important thing you can do is Vote Yes on Measure D by June 2, 2026. You can also help by endorsing the campaign, putting up a lawn sign, or volunteering to canvass your neighbors by visiting tinyurl.com/YesOnD4LCMSD