TL;DR

TK is likely going to be reinstated for 26-27 at the next school board meeting on Thursday, Nov 13 at 6:00 pm at the MVMS library. Join to show your support.
Donate to help close the funding gap and prevent program cuts.
Suggested $5K (down from $14K last year) if you have a TKer next year; another amount to help close the funding gaps in the district until we pass the parcel tax. Corporate matches accepted!
Vote YES on the June 2026 Parcel Tax Renewal.
This is the path to long-term funding for TK and other vital programs. Over 65? You can still vote yes and opt out of the tax if you choose.
Spread the word.
Share this message with MVSD families and neighbors

Last winter, due to a significant budget shortfall, the Mill Valley School Board voted to cancel Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for 2025–2026. In response, parents came together to form Early Education Marin, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting equitable access to public full-day TK in Mill Valley. Through unprecedented community giving, a $500K contribution from Kiddo!, and in close partnership with the district, we raised more than $1.5 million and saved TK in Mill Valley for 2025-2026. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that every Mill Valley child has access to public, full-day TK—now and in the future.

The next Board meeting will likely vote yes to secure TK for the 2026–2027 school year — a major win for our community. However, funding remains uncertain until the next parcel tax renewal in 2029. Running TK costs approximately $2.2 million per year. To bridge this short-term gap, Early Education Marin will continue raising funds to protect TK and prevent cuts to other essential district programs.

Thank you to our amazing community!

Early Education Marin Board
Email: earlyeducationmarin@gmail.com

More info about TK (Transitional Kindergarten)

Testimonials about TK in Mill Valley:

"My son has grown by leaps and bounds in the few short months since the school year began. He is excelling at math learning and literacy and has already surpassed the next grade level socio-emotional benchmarks. While we loved our preschool, we know that this accelerated progress is due to the wonderful teaching staff and curriculum at Tam Valley. TK is not just a third year of preschool — it is preparatory education for kindergarten and beyond. Every child deserves to be set up for educational success. And no matter how exceptional a preschool may be, there is no replacement for TK." - Ana Heller, TK 2024-25 · Tam Valley Elementary

"Our youngest is thriving in TK. The last 5 months have made such a difference in her social/emotional development and love of school. As parents we’re beyond impressed by her teacher! Our oldest child wasn’t eligible for TK and it’s been very clear to us just how valuable this TK program is for our kids." - Courtney Stone, TK 2024-2025 · Park Elementary

"My daughter is currently in TK at SPS, and my oldest attended TK at Edna. I’ve seen firsthand how it has prepared my two older daughters (ages 4 and 6) for success and helped them develop a love of learning. I’m hopeful my two younger children will have this same opportunity, as it has made such a positive impact on our family." - Taylor Mort, TK 2023-2024 & 2024-2025 · Edna & Strawberry

"TK is critical in the district reaching more financially diverse members of the community. TK programs bolsters working families in an increasingly demaning place to thrive. This program is an investment in the future of all children and families in our district." - Katie Struble, TK 2023-2024 · Edna Maguire

"We have no personal stake in the continuation of the TK program, as we have no younger children. But, I have to write to emphasize how important this program is for neurodivergent children. We had no idea that our son was on the autism spectrum until he began TK. With the patient, kind staff at Edna, including the school psychologist, counselor, his teacher, special education staff, and the Principal, we have begun to understand the unique wiring of our bright little boy." - Anonymous, 2024-2025 · Edna Maguire

"Our son had struggled in preschool, hindering his educational and social emotional growth in many ways. However, in TK he immediately found a comfort zone and we saw an incredible transformation in one short year, thanks in no small part to the reliability of the program, the support of the school community as a whole, and the high skill level of his teacher. In short, our son grew in so many ways as a person that year. It is true that our community does have many resources but nothing compares to the holistic care from a well-designed school program and its greater community." - Jesse Silverstein, TK 2022-2023 · Edna Maguire

Why did we need to save TK?

On January 16, the MVSD Board of Trustees voted to remove TK for the 2025-26 school year and beyond due to a $7.3M budget shortfall. Without our financial support, this critical program will end.

Marin County Office of Education has spoken out against the cancellation of TK: Marin County Superintendent of Schools John Carroll said research indicates that “TK and early childhood education have an outsized positive effect on outcomes later in life...it's an equity issue.”

Resources:

TK FAQ from Mill Valley School District
About TK in California
Upcoming MVSD Board Meetings
Early Education Marin 501(c)(3) documentation
Donation Agreement for Save MV TK Fundraiser
Marin IJ article: Marin education office opposes Mill Valley TK cuts
TK Parent Testimonials
Early Education Marin Board

Fund the Gap in Mill Valley School District

Give to fill our funding gap till we pass the parcel tax