Our Public Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report
The EIR needs to be revised and resubmitted because its project description is inadequate and misleading, it relies on incomplete site hazard data, and it cites outdated enrollment data to improperly reject otherwise feasible alternatives, all of which frustrates meaningful public input.
Speak Up for Our Schools!
Deadline for EIR comments is OCTOBER 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Why Your Voice Matters
Mill Valley families and neighbors — this is our chance to make sure the future generations of students learn in a safe, sustainable, and fiscally responsible school. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process determines how and where the new Mill Valley Middle School project will move forward. Public comments directly influence what gets studied, fixed, or reconsidered. Every unique comment counts. Agencies must read and consider each individual submission. That means your words, even one paragraph, can help shape the future of this project.
How to Submit Your EIR Comments
1. Email your comments to **ekaufman@mvschools.org** and **jarroyo@mvschools.org** (subject line: “Draft EIR Comment”).
2. Copy **cboc@mvschools.org** and **ptacouncil@mvschools.org** to ensure transparency.
3. Send it by October 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., the deadline for public comments.
Tip: Speak from your own perspective. Use your own words to explain why the project matters to you. Personalized messages make the biggest impact.
Sample Comment Starters
Here are a few simple ways to begin your comment:
“As a Mill Valley parent, I’m concerned about the health and safety of students and teachers given the site’s documented contamination.”
“Please complete the soil tests and mitigation plans before finalizing a decision.”
“I support exploring the Edna Maguire site as a safer and more cost-effective alternative.”
“The District should not approve a project before knowing if it meets seismic and environmental safety standards.”
“As a taxpayer, I want to see my dollars used wisely on a lasting, safe facility.”
“Declining enrollment numbers do not support the 2021 Master Plan analysis that eliminates the consideration of the Edna Magure site for a middle school."
“I agree with the concerns in the MVMS Modernization Mess public comment letter, and I’d like the District to meaningfully address the requests in that letter.”
Spread the Word
The more voices, the stronger our message. Use these ideas to reach friends, neighbors, and local groups:
Post on Nextdoor, Facebook, or Instagram: “Mill Valley friends, Comment on the Middle School Draft EIR to protect our kids and teachers’ health and safety. Deadline for comments is October 20, 2025 at 5:00 pm! Info at mvmsmodernizationmess.com.”
Together, We Make a Difference
Every single comment strengthens our collective voice. Let’s ensure the District hears from the people who care most about Mill Valley’s schools — the parents, students, teachers, and neighbors who live here. We can shape a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future for everyone.
Plan to Demolish and Rebuild Middle School Discarded as Financially Infeasible
Interim Soil Sample and Sea Level Rise Results are Here
- Plus New Information of Seismic Risks -
The sampling is ongoing, but the initial results are troubling and point to a need for a different site
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Soil Test Results
The proposed site is on top of an old burn dump.
It contains hazardous levels of lead and potentially explosive methane gas, all of which is presently capped by just 2-3 feet of clay soil that would, of course, be disrupted during construction or renovation of the current building.
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Sea Level Rise Risks
The current site is in a flood plain, which is expected to worsen with climate change.
Rising groundwater will cause the toxic substances from the former burn dump to surface.
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Seismic Risks
The proposed Renovation option would cost nearly $100 million, but it would leave the 1970s foundation as-is. If that can be approved, what are the seismic implications?
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Other Ideas
We want solutions that will lead us toward a beautiful and modern Middle School. It has been hard. Here is what could work.
