Yes On Measure H

What is the history of Piedmont’s School Parcel Tax?

 

• For nearly 40 years, Piedmont schools have relied on locally approved parcel taxes to supplement limited state funding. The current voter-approved parcel tax, which is set to expire, provides more than 20% of our school district’s budget. Measure H continues this locally controlled funding that helps attract and retain high-quality educators, maintain manageable class sizes, and support advanced academic programs.

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Why is Measure H needed?​

 

• State funding is not keeping pace with the true cost of a quality public education. Five years ago, Piedmont voters approved Measure H to provide local funding for our schools. Since that time, a growing teacher shortage throughout the State, combined with economic uncertainties and the high cost of living in the Bay Area have made retaining and recruiting quality teachers for Piedmont even more difficult.

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What will Measure H do?
 

• Measure H funds will be used to help Piedmont attract and retain exceptional teachers and educational staff. Money raised by Measure H will also go toward:​​

  • Advanced reading, writing, and language programs
  • ​Advanced programs in science, technology, engineering and math
  • Ensuring textbooks and instructional materials are up-to-date
  • Advanced academic programs and essential college counseling 
  • Programs in music, visual and performing arts​

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How much will Measure H cost?

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• Measure H is not a tax increase. It simply renews the existing voter-approved parcel tax, with minimal annual adjustments keeping pace with the cost of living.

• Measure H will cost property owners ______

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Will there be a citizens’ advisory group that reviews how the funds are spent?

 

• Yes, a subcommittee of the Budget Advisory Committee will prepare an annual written report and submit its findings to the Board of Education. All residents of the community are eligible to apply for membership on the Budget Advisory Committee.

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Measure H Ballot Question:
 

• “To attract and retain highly qualified teachers and educational support staff and continue funding advanced academic programs, shall Piedmont Unified School District’s measure renewing the school parcel tax for 8 years be adopted at the rate of 50 cents per square foot of building improvements, providing 5 million dollars in annual school funding, with independent citizen oversight and all money locally controlled.”

 

Measure H Argument in Favor:

 

• "Piedmont schools are among the best in California; however, inadequate state funding coupled with the high cost of living in the Bay Area make recruiting and retaining quality teachers and educational staff increasingly difficult, alongside the challenges of offering high quality programs."

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​Piedmont Unified School District consistently ranks among the top school districts in California. Renewing Measure H is essential to maintaining the high quality of Piedmont schools. With growing competition across the Bay Area for excellent teachers, Measure H will help Piedmont continue to attract and retain the highly qualified educators who make our schools exceptional.​​

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Piedmont schools have remained exceptional because residents have consistently supported this essential local funding.​ Strong schools benefit the entire community. Even for residents without school-age children, supporting Measure H is a smart investment in our community’s future.

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All funds raised by Measure H stay in Piedmont, supporting local students and schools.

The money cannot be taken by the State or used for any other purpose.

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Please vote yes.