California Philanthropist Donates $1 Million to 100 Marin County Teachers

Teachers at the Ross Valley School District were called to a conference room meeting on Aug. 13 without being told why. During the meeting, philanthropist Maja Kristin addressed the group, and the school's principal handed each teacher an envelope containing a bank check for $9,161.

Kristin said she donated after learning about what she called an unfair situation in Marin County, where high property values mask low assessed values due to Proposition 13. The 1978 law caps property tax rates at 1% of assessed value, and many longtime homeowners have assessments far below current market prices, limiting the district's tax base.

Ross Valley ranks among the bottom 4% of California school districts for per-pupil funding, receiving $11,771 compared with the state average of $14,494, according to district officials. Superintendent Tyler Graff said Prop 13 has kept the district's tax base low relative to other Marin districts.

Educator Sydney Dean described the gift as "life changing," and teacher Amber Bunnell-Wild said she had never experienced such a beautiful gift from a stranger. Ann Schnell, a teacher and mother of three, said the money would allow her family to afford activities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Kristin said she hopes her donation inspires others to support public schools through direct gifts, political action, or foundation contributions. "We as citizens can write direct checks," she told the teachers.