skip to main content
placeholder for top bar
Protecting High Quality Schools Measures E & F
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

San Ramon Unified School District (SRVUSD) has a tradition of excellence and a reputation for exemplary schools. SRVUSD serves close to 30,000 students at 35 schools, many of which have won accolades and received honors such as California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon recognition. As one of the highest-performing school districts in the nation, SRVUSD’s graduation rate stands at nearly 97%, and 95% of seniors plan to attend college. 
 
SRVUSD’s award-winning schools are funded through a combination of local funding measures, State funds, and donations.  Because the local community has historically approved local funding measures, local students have had access to programs above and beyond what State funding can provide on its own. The below FAQ provides more information on two local parcel tax measures the Board of Trustees has placed on the ballot to address the expiration of multiple school funding sources over the next two years.
 
What is happening with the reductions in school funding?
The District faces two reductions in available school funding in the near future. First, in 2025 a local voter-approved funding measure will expire. Second, over the next two years, the District will have exhausted $6 million in State funds that have been supporting our schools.  
 
What is the practical effect of these funding reductions?
The loss of $6.8 million from expiring parcel tax funding, will require the District to layoff approximately 56 educators. This along with the expiration of $6 million in State Funds will impact core academic programs, student mental health services, and support for students who are learning at different levels.
 
What is the plan to address the loss of these Funds?
To address the loss of these funds, the Board of Trustees of SRVUSD placed two measures on the ballot. The first measure would renew the expiring parcel tax funding, at the current rate of $144 per parcel, per year with annual adjustments. The second measure would address the loss of State funding, at the rate of $98 per parcel, per year.
 
How would funds from each measure be used?
The funds from the first measure, to replace the expiring parcel tax funding, would be used to:
  • Attract and retain highly qualified teachers
  • Support academic programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, reading and writing
  • Prepare students for college and careers
  • Maintain Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
 
The funds from the second measure, to replace the expiring State funds, would be used to:
  • Support programs in reading and literacy for the youngest learners
  • Provide support for students struggling to succeed academically
  • Address student mental health needs
  • Attract and retain qualified teachers to support students with special needs
 
How can I be sure funds from the measures would be spent as promised?
Both measures include the same accountability requirements as past measures, including:
  • All funds would be controlled locally and could not be taken away by the State
  • No funds for administrators’ salaries
  • Independent citizens’ oversight committee and mandatory annual audits
 
Do both measures include a senior exemption?
Yes. Senior citizens and individuals with disabilities would be exempt from the cost of both measures.
 
Has SRVUSD historically spent Measure A funding for valid purposes?
Yes. The citizens’ Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (PTOC) has confirmed that the District spent past voter-approved funding as promised. You can read the latest PTOC reports by visiting the PTOC website.

Do other school districts in our area rely on parcel taxes to fund academic programs in their local schools?
Yes. Many similarly performing districts in the Bay Area depend on parcel taxes to fund educational programs. 
 
District
Parcel Rax Rate
Orinda Union School District $804
Lafayette School District* $958 (annual adjustments)
Moraga School District* $526 (annual adjustment)
Acalanes Union High School District* $301 (no sunset)
Los Gatos Union School District $335 (2% annual adjustment)
Palo Alto Unified School District $836 (2% annual adjustment)
Larkspur-Corte Madera School District $910 (5% annual adjustment)
Mill Valley School District $1,250 (5% annual adjustment)
Piedmont Unified School District $1,250  ($0.5/sq. ft - e.g. 2500 sq. ft. home) 
*These communities have both the assessment and the Acalanes Union HSD assessment.
 
 
Would all funds benefit our local SRVUSD schools only?
All funds from the measures would benefit SRVUSD schools only. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.
 
Why place the measures on a special election instead of the Presidential Primary or General?
Past local parcel tax elections in SRVUSD have taken place at Special Elections, including in May 2015, May 2009 & April 2004 (special election). Historically, our community has preferred to consider these measures as important local questions, separate from the partisan environment that can accompany Presidential elections.
 

How can I learn more?


To learn more about steps SRVUSD is taking to protect high-quality education in our local schools,

Please email communications@srvusd.net or call (925) 552-5500