School Parcel Tax Campaign Kicks Off Thursday at GROW in Tam Junction

As officials and supporters to convince voters to , they did so knowing that mail-in ballots go out just 28 days after the of the 2012-2013 school year. Because of that, campaign organizers when school started.

That time has arrived.

"Protect Mill Valley Schools," a campaign to win voter approval for Measure B, a $196 parcel tax to support local schools, kicks into high gear Thursday night with a launch party at  in Tam Junction (next door to Proof Lab) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Campaign organizers are hoping to get people to both endorse the ballot measure and to donate to the effort to help pass it.

A coalition of parents, teachers, administrators and local leaders have lined up behind the ballot measure, making the case for the parcel tax around a central message: ensure local control, avoid cuts to core educational programs and retain quality teachers. The district currently faces a $684,612 budget deficit for the 2012-2013 school year, which is projected to grow by $1.3 million in 2013-2014 and by just under $1 million in 2014-2015.

District officials say the parcel tax would generate about $1.9 million annually for local elementary and middle schools. The current parcel tax is $731, so if approved the new tax would be $927 per parcel. It would expire after eight years. Homeowners 65 years or older can apply for an exemption.

For more info on the campaign, go to the Protect Mill Valley Schools' website.