What is the current state of Phillips Field?

The field is unusable for most sports and events and is unsafe for children. It  is also not up to current code to comply with disability access.

What will Measure I fund?

The bond will fund a complete revitalization of Phillips Field including building a multi-purpose field suitable for multiple sports, a 400 meter track, bathrooms, lights, Americans with Disabilities access, a shade structure, and better water retention storage.

Can the funding be spent on items not in the bond language?

No,  the bond language is legally binding and bond funds cannot be spent on anything not outlined in the measure.  This measure is dedicated to revitalizing Phillips Field and providing current and future generations of children with safe playfields.

Can the school board change the project list after the bond passes?

No. The project list is legally binding.

How can we be sure Measure I funds would be spent responsibly?

Measure I requires strict fiscal accountability protections, including a detailed project list, required public disclosure of all spending, an independent citizens’ oversight committee, and annual audits to ensure all funds are spent as promised. All Measure I funds would be locally controlled and could not be taken by the State or diverted to other uses. By law, no funds could be used for administrator salaries or benefits.

How would the fields be upgraded without the measure?

There isn’t a source of funding for building the field without the measure.

What are the plans for ongoing maintenance of the field?

There are some funds built into the measure to ensure proper maintenance for the first few years of field usage.  After that, maintenance will be provided by the revenue generated from the field, ensuring that it will be in good repair for decades of use.

How will field prioritization be determined and how will the District ensure that it has sufficient funds for ongoing maintenance?

The District has committed to developing a committee made up of District personnel and community based stakeholders to work together to develop a facilities policy that complies with the Civic Center Act (EC38130-38136) and includes prioritization and fees.

How much will this bond cost me?

The bond rate is $8.00 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market value).  For example, if your home is assessed at $500,000, you would pay $40.00 per year to revitalize the field. If your home is assessed at $1,000,000, you would pay $80.00 per year. You can find out your assessed value by looking at your tax bill.

Why weren’t Measure P funds (2020 bond) used to revitalize the field?

Due to State law, the Nevada Street campus had to be rebuilt instead of remodeled, which did not leave enough funds from Measure P to complete the field revitalization.

Didn’t we recently vote on a parcel tax measure for the school district?

The Sausalito-Marin City School District was the only district in Marin County that didn’t have locally secured funding through a parcel tax.  This changed in 2024 when the community supported Measure G, to fund staffing and programs.   

What is the difference between parcel taxes and bonds?

Parcel taxes are used to fund salaries and bonds are used to fund building projects.  The State of California does not provide funding for infrastructure projects, so bonds are the most common way for local school districts to improve their facilities. 

Is there opposition to Measure I?

There is no organized opposition to the measure.

Are senior exemptions available? 

State law prohibits exemptions of any kind for school facility improvement bond measures. However, the cost of any bond is based on the assessed value of properties. Seniors and other residents who have lived in their homes for a long time have the lowest assessed values and would pay the least.

I’m a renter. How much will the bond cost me? 

The cost of the bond is assessed to the owner of the property. 

Shouldn’t the State fund school repairs? 

The only funding the State of California provides for facility repairs requires local matching funds from a local bond measure and there is no guarantee that matching funds from the State will be available.  Like all school districts, SMCSD relies upon on voter-approved bond funding for local school facility repairs. No other funding source exists.

What if I don't have children in our local schools?

Even if you don’t have school-age children, the Measure is a smart investment. The field will enhance the entire community and provide local residents with safe, modern facilities in which to play and gather.  It will make the entire community a more desirable place to live through providing this community resource.

Will the funds from Measure I stay local?

Yes. Every dollar raised will be locally controlled and can only be used for critical and urgent school repairs identified in the Measure’s legally binding project list. No funds can be taken away by the State or diverted to other uses.

Will funds from Measure I be used for salaries and pensions?

No. By law, the funds are restricted to school repairs and cannot be used for operating expenses, including salaries and pensions.

Who can vote on Measure I?

All registered voters residing within the boundaries of the Sausalito-Marin City School District will be eligible to vote on the Measure on the June 2nd, 2026 General Election ballot. To register to vote, visit registertovote.ca.gov.

How many votes does the Measure need to pass?

Measure I requires support from 55% of those voting on the measure in the June election for approval.