Novato Unified School District Regular Board Meeting 10/06/2026

At its October 6, 2026 regular meeting, the Novato Unified School District Board approved Resolution No. 9 to transition Hamilton’s grades 6–8 program to San Jose Middle School beginning in the 2027–28 school year. The district estimated ongoing savings of about $700,000 annually, primarily from staffing changes, and said the move would contribute toward $6.5 million in ongoing budget reductions. The board also directed staff to provide monthly updates on transition planning. Community members raised concerns about student support, transportation, school access, and the impact on families; staff described proposed transition supports and noted that individual education-plan services would follow students. No contract awards, bids, or vendor selections were identified.

The board unanimously approved Resolution No. 8 certifying sufficient instructional materials for 2026–27, following public concerns about curriculum access and Chromebooks; staff clarified that students may request a Chromebook or textbook for home use and committed to improving communication and follow-up. In the teaching and learning report, staff said the elementary Benchmark Advance adoption cost more than $1 million, funded through lottery funds, and described ongoing math-pilot and technology/AI work. The consent agenda, including the district’s legislative talking points, was also approved. A public commenter urged board support for Proposition 3, citing a potential $7.5 million revenue loss to the district if it fails, but no board action on that request was recorded.