Conditional Use Permit & Transportation Management

Branson’s enrollment has been capped at 320 since 1978. In order to remain a premier independent secondary school in Ross, Branson must change, innovate, and grow like its peer schools. A phased enrollment increase is essential to Branson’s future. Here are the reasons why:

• Attracting and retaining the highest caliber teachers by offering competitive salaries and benefits;
• Maintaining tuition levels that are comparable to other peer schools;
• Increasing financial aid to create a more diverse community;
• Continuing to offer a wide variety of well-rounded programs and curriculum while also adding innovative coursework;
• Operating more efficiently (certain classes and programs are well under capacity because of the enrollment cap).

Branson has undergone an extensive, multi-year strategic planning process, which identified 420 students as the most appropriate enrollment level for the school. Branson needs to create a more sustainable financial model in order to remain a top tier independent school. At the same time, we deeply value the culture and close-knit nature of our small school community. A phased increase of 25 students over a four year period reflects a balanced approach. The student increase will place Branson on a more level playing field with its peer schools and secures our future as a preeminent academic institution in Ross. The requested increase also ensures that our growth is managed responsibly without increased traffic impacts on the neighborhood.

60% of Ross voters approved Measure F back in March 2020. That ballot measure changed the Town of Ross’ municipal code to allow for the school to apply for an enrollment increase to the Town Council. We are now at the application phase of the process.

Our application is a request for the enrollment increase and there are no plans at this time for any new buildings. Many of our existing classrooms and facilities are under-utilized and can easily accommodate 100 more students.

No, there will not be an increase in car trips. As we pledged during the ballot measure campaign, the school is committed to being net neutral on traffic. That means there won’t be any additional trips coming and going to campus than what exists today. We have made this commitment and will make the necessary investments (new buses/shuttles, remote drop-offs/pick-ups, third party monitoring, etc.) to fully execute this plan.

Branson hired professional traffic engineers from Parisi Transportation Consulting, a well-respected firm that works with schools and public agencies throughout Marin, to develop a comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP) for the school to add students without adding traffic. The highlights of the plan include:

• Significant monitoring to ensure compliance with trip levels
• Designated off-campus student drop-offs and pickups
• Additional shuttles and bus routes
• Closer neighbor coordination through a new Neighborhood Committee
• Greater incentives for those who bike, walk, or carpool to school

Yes. Throughout the ballot measure campaign, Branson held over 15 meetings and open houses to discuss the enrollment increase with our neighbors. As we drafted the application, we also worked closely with a small committee of immediate neighbors over the course of three meetings. These community conversations provided valuable feedback on the real-world application of our traffic management plans and helped to shape elements of the school’s TDMP, which will keep traffic net neutral at a minimum.

Branson submitted its application to the Town of Ross, which will process the school’s request for the phased increase. The Town Council will hold public hearings on the application where community members can participate in the approval process.

No. The application for the phased enrollment will not add to the event schedule or change the current operations.

Over the phased growth, we anticipate having 10-16 additional teachers and other staff members once we reach 100 additional students.

An enrollment increase will benefit the Ross and local community by ensuring Branson can remain and succeed in its hometown. The new student level will also:

• Allow more students the opportunity to receive a Branson education, including from the Town of Ross.

• Preserve Branson’s reputation as a high-quality school, just like the Ross School, here in Ross.

• Secure the school’s long-term future in Ross, allowing Branson’s leadership to continue its commitment to grow our partnerships in Ross and to be a valued community asset.

Please contact David Hanson, Branson's Chief Financial and Operating Officer, david_hanson@branson.org