Reserves sit below the Board's own minimum in every projected year

What happened

Board policy sets a reserve minimum of 25% and a target of 30%. The adopted budget projects 21.05% this year, then 21.39%, 21.25% and 22.76% — never reaching the Board's own floor. The state's 3% minimum is met comfortably.

Why it matters to families

Reserves cover payroll between property tax instalments and absorb surprises. The district's own benchmark table puts the average for community-funded elementary districts at 31.48%, about ten points above where Mill Valley sits.

The evidence

The adopted budget states the Board approved reserve target is a minimum of 25% and a maximum of 35% with a target of 30%, and projects 21.05% for 2025-26.

The source