California woman donates $1 million to teachers after learning they were underpaid

A California woman named Maja Kristin donated $1 million to 100 public school teachers in the Ross Valley School District, providing each educator with a surprise check of $9,161.70. The donation aimed to address low teacher pay and funding challenges faced by educators in the district, which is located in one of the wealthiest counties in the US.

The teachers were called to a meeting on August 13 and presented with the checks, expressing gratitude for the unexpected payment. Kristin became concerned after learning about the funding situation in the Ross Valley School District, which receives about $11,771 per student, compared to the California average of $14,494, placing it in the bottom 4% of California school districts for per-pupil funding.

The district's low teacher compensation and funding issues are connected to California's Proposition 13, which limits property-tax rates and restricts increases in assessed property values, leaving the district with a limited property-tax base. The teachers believe the donation could make a significant difference in their lives, addressing immediate financial needs and providing relief for the high cost of living in Marin County. Kristin hopes her donation inspires others to support public education in their community.