Why is Measure A needed?

The State budget crisis is severely impacting local schools. Operating costs such as utilities, insurance, and health benefits continue to rise. The SRVUSD Board of Education has made tough decisions to balance the District’s budget, including $13.6 million in employee layoffs and reductions in programs and services beneficial and necessary to schools. The District also has worked with parents and the community to support local fundraising efforts.

But now the programs our parents and community value most—smaller class sizes, librarians, school counselors and elementary instrumental music—are at risk. The District has depleted its unrestricted reserves and cannot fund Measure A programs beyond the current year. Preliminary layoff notices will be issued to 232 teachers, counselors, and librarians. Without a local funding source, the layoffs will become official in May. These budget cuts will affect every student, negatively impacting the quality of education in the classroom.

What about other sources of funding--like the lottery?

The District has made every effort to secure these and other available funds from state, local and private sources. Lottery funds, although minimal, have provided a welcome supplement to our school district budget, supplementing the purchase of much needed materials and equipment. But lottery funds comprise less than 2% of our school district budget and have not increased in recent years. Measure A is still critically needed.  

How will Measure A benefit those who don’t have children in the schools?  

Good schools help maintain property values. The Pleasanton and Dublin school districts receive $600 and $1000 more in State funds per student, respectively. The elementary school districts in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda and those communities’ high school district, the Acalanes District, have passed local parcel taxes. If we do not pass Measure A, securing a stable revenue source for these programs, our commnity and our schools will become less desirable to prospective home buyers.

Didn’t we just pass a tax measure for our local schools?

      In November 2002 voters approved Measure A, a local school bond measure authorizing

      facility upgrades only . But by law, school bonds can only fund facility improvements,

      not instructional needs .

      Measure A – the parcel tax will provide critically needed funds for instructional programs    

      only .  

What will happen if Measure A doesn’t pass?

Every student will be affected . Without Measure A , our schools will suffer further cuts—beyond the $13.6 million in cuts already made. The State’s budget deficit for 2004-2005 is already estimated to be $10 billion and our school district’s operating costs will continue to rise (insurance, utilities, health benefit costs). The loss of Measure A will lead to the loss of quality teachers, library professionals, and counselors, and also will result in increased class sizes in the next school year and beyond. These are all fundamental elements of a quality educational program.

Who will vote on Measure A?

All registered voters who reside within the San Ramon Valley Unified School District are eligible to vote on Measure A . To pass, Measure A must receive support from two-thirds (2/3) of the voters who vote on April 13 th .   March 29 th is the last day to register to vote in this election.

How much will Measure A cost taxpayers?

Measure A will cost a flat $90 per parcel, per year, for 5 years only . It will cost the average homeowner less than $2 a week. There is an exemption for homes owned and occupied by residents age 65 and older.

Will commercial property owners be required to pay the parcel tax?

Yes. Measure A applies to all taxable residential and commercial parcels.  

How can we be sure that Measure A money will be spent properly?

By law Measure A funds can be spent only on items listed in the measure approved by voters.   None of this money will go to pay administrators. The measure requires an annual audit and public report. All of the money raised by Measure A will stay here in our community to benefit our children and cannot be taken by Sacramento.

For school-related questions, please call the superintendent’s office at San Ramon Valley Unified School District: (925) 552-2933.

To inquire about the campaign to pass Measure A or to volunteer to help, please call Citizens For Quality Schools Campaign Headquarters at (925) 275-0753.