Measure B on the June 2 ballot asks voters in the Palo Alto Unified School District to authorize an $800-per-parcel tax that would last four years and commence on June 1, 2027. The tax would replace the existing $905 parcel tax, which is expiring.
Measure B is expected to raise approximately $14.5 million per year, which will exclusively be available to support Palo Alto schools. The stated purposes of the proposed tax are to:
- Attract and retain highly qualified teachers;
- Maintain reading, writing and language programs;
- Maintain manageable class sizes;
- Continue advanced programs in science, technology, engineering and math;
- Support at-risk students; and
- Prepare students for college and in-demand careers.
Exemptions: Homeowners aged 65+ and certain low-income homeowners with disabilities are eligible for an exemption from the tax. They have to bring their exemption form to the school district’s office each year to obtain and keep their eligibility.
Approval: Measure B requires 2/3 of the votes cast.
Supporters say:
- Measure B will provide local school funding to help PAUSD attract and retain quality teachers, preserve reading writing and language programs, and support advanced instruction in science, technology, engineering and math.
- There will be an independent oversight committee, with annual audits to ensure the funds are spent as promised.
- The parcel tax will be reduced from the current level of $905 to $800 per year.
- Without Measure B, PAUSD will lose about $15 million annually, which will force teacher layoffs, cuts to academic programs, and increased class sizes. Within three years healthy emergency reserves will be depleted with nothing to replace them.
- Measure B protects our schools from funding reductions by the federal or state government, and uncertain property taxes in a softening housing market.
- Even if you do not have school-age children, good schools improve the quality of life and protect the value of our homes.
Opponents say:
- PAUSD has over $100 million in reserves and funding now stands at $35,000 per pupil.
- Over the past five years, PAUSD enrollment has fallen by almost 15%, and further enrollment declines are anticipated.
- Palo Alto property taxes have doubled over the past 10 years.
- The parcel tax is no longer needed and the School Board needs to be a responsible steward of the community’s resources.
For more information, the website for the “yes” side is https://protectpaloaltoschools.org
The website for the “no” side is https://www.no-on-b.org
Some of the information for this article came from the Palo Alto League of Women Voters website.
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