School districts across the Bay Area are appealing to voters to approve more than $688 million in school bonds and parcel tax measures to avoid deep budget cuts and fund crucial programs and teacher salaries as already-announced layoffs and budget deficits set cutbacks in motion.
School districts across the Bay Area are asking voters to approve more than $688 million in school bonds and parcel tax measures in a last-ditch effort to avoid deep budget cuts to programs and teacher layoffs.
The 19 measures from Santa Clara County to Marin County would fund everything from school libraries and upgraded classrooms to core academic programs and teacher salaries. Already, dozens of Bay Area school districts have announced layoffs, program cuts, or school closures this year to repair gaping budget deficits ranging from $6 million to over $100 million.
Without local funds, districts say they would be required to make even more cuts, resulting in additional teacher and staff layoffs, larger class sizes, and significant cuts to core academic programs. Many school districts with measures on the ballot have pointed to California’s ‘inequitable’ state funding formula as the primary reason for needing taxpayer dollars to supplement limited state education funding.
In Ravenswood City School District, the unexpected closure of The Primary School has created an immediate crisis: a 20% enrollment surge that their current buildings were not designed to hold. If approved, the $70 million school bond will make them eligible for state matching funds and preserve the current learning environment for students.
Lafayette School District in Contra Costa County is asking voters to approve a $585 per parcel tax for nine years, which will provide $5.1 million in local funds each year. The parcel tax rate would be increased 3% each year to account for inflation and provide an exemption for seniors ages 65 and older. The Lafayette School District says without a replacement and increase, they will need to make significant cuts to staff, academic programs, and student services.
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposes the measure, arguing that it will harm renters, small businesses, and working families. Piedmont Unified School District in Alameda County is asking voters to renew an expiring $3,174 per parcel tax, Measure H, which provides approximately $12 million annually to supplement limited state funding. School leaders say this is crucial due to limited state and federal funding
California School Districts Proposed Bond Measures Parcel Tax Measures Deep Budget Cuts Failing State Funding Formula Increasing Enrollment
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