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The Larkspur School District is a high performing K-8 school district serving families and students in the cities of Corte Madera and Larkspur, approximately 8 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, California. The residents of the Twin Cities community are very supportive of public education. The average per pupil spending is $9,300. Local revenue from business leases, a parcel tax and the Corte Madera Larkspur Schools Foundation allow the district to provide ample enrichment programs at its schools, including visual and performing arts, technology, science specialists, a variety of GATE activities, afterschool tutoring and homework clubs and foreign language to its students.

The district's Academic Performance Index is 915 and increasing annually, placing the district among the top ten percent of public schools in California. The staff is collaborative and compassionate. Together with an active parent community, they serve as catalysts for growth who inspire and promote well-rounded, lifelong learners and future citizens of the world through challenging, innovative, rigorous curriculum. Class size averages 25 (4-8) and 20 (K-3) students per class. Our district provides an extraordinary education through its commitment to meeting the needs of each student with safe and healthy environments and an engaging and inspiring curriculum, while at the same time maintaining fiscal stability, and promoting strong community involvement.

Our vision is to provide an extraordinary education for every child and a positive, supportive environment where each student can thrive.

Dear Parents:

I hope you and your families are enjoying the summer vacation. As promised, I am writing to keep you informed of the latest budget impacts in the Larkspur School District. On Wednesday evening, June 17, the Board of Trustees took action on the 2009-2010 budget. Since the state legislators have not agreed on final budgets for either the 08-09 or 09-10 school year yet, the approved budget reflects our fiscal analysts’ projections, and what we hope to be the worst-case scenario for the moment…….

Since last June’s original approved budget for 08-09, our revenues have decreased over $1.2 million. Many of you have been involved in various committees (District Advisory, Roundtable, PTA’s, CMLSF, School Site Councils, Budget Study Sessions) that have contributed input to the development of the 09-10 budget, and we have endeavored to incorporate this input as we have made very difficult decisions regarding budget while attempting to protect our core programs and values. Our staff and parents have weighed in on various priorities and we have heard clearly that class size and core instruction are our number one priority. That said, our district is clearly not immune from effects of the state fiscal crisis, and program reductions have been made beginning in the 09-10 school year in order to balance our budget. These include:

• Elimination of instructional materials, supplies and equipment funds including technology
• Forgoing implementation of School Improvement Program (SIP funds)
• Reduction in GATE program activities and GATE coordination
• Reduction or elimination of Specialist programs: Science 3-5, Technology K-4, and Physical Education K-4
• Reduction of counseling services at the middle school
• Reduction of Library Clerk time
• Elimination of funding for campus supervisor position at the middle school
• Elimination of funding for afterschool sports coaches

These cuts are in addition to reductions that were already implemented in 08-09. For a complete list of programs affected by budget reductions - Click Here

The State is releasing more projections daily, and the news continues to worsen. Other programs that are still under discussion for reduction or elimination from the 09-10 budget include reduction of additional campus support positions and transportation subsidies for youth passes to ride public transit to and from school. There will be an informal meeting to discuss the transportation topic on June 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the library at Hall Middle School for all interested in hearing more about this issue.

We have developed a reinstatement priorities list and will be reviewing it regularly as revenues and/or expenditures are revised.

This is a very difficult time for school districts in California. Please rest assured that we do not take decisions affecting our children and schools lightly. We are saddened by the difficult choices the district has been forced to make in response to California's budget crisis.

The Board of Trustees will continue to meet over the summer. Our next meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6:00 p.m, in the Library at Hall Middle School. Please don’t hesitate to become involved. Thank you.