In a solid show of support for Piedmont’s public schools, voters overwhelmingly voted for two measures on the Nov. 5 ballot that will provide much-needed financial support to the Piedmont Unified School District.
Since 1985, Piedmont has passed school support tax measures eight consecutive times. Measures G&H will provide nearly 30 percent of the district’s budget.
Measure G, a renewal of the existing parcel tax, will cost all homeowners $2,763 per year. The cost to homeowners for the new Measure H will be 25 cents per square foot of their home. According to the Campaign, Measures G and H will generate $13.4 million annually for Piedmont schools.
The mood was festive at the “Yes on G&H” Campaign gathering at the home of Christine Wente von Metzsch Tuesday night. Early voting results indicated Measure G leading by 81 percent and Measure H by 73 percent. By 10 p.m. with all precincts reporting, that tally held. The Measures needed 67 percent to win.
“On behalf of the entire school district, I want to thank the community for showing once again how much they value public education,” said PUSD Superintendent Randy Booker at the event. “I am especially grateful for all the volunteers who worked so hard to bring people together to support our teachers and students.”
Campaign co-chair Christine Wente Von Metszch echoed Booker’s sentiments, thanking “all the volunteers who worked so hard on this campaign and the community of Piedmont for continuing to value education and teachers.”
The passage of Measure H was especially good news for local teachers, as that money is intended to “provide compensation strategies to help recruit and retain high quality teachers,” per a Campaign statement. Earlier this year, Piedmont teachers shared personal stories about the hardships they face trying to make ends meet on teacher salaries in the Bay Area and salary negotiations between the district and the teacher’s union continue. Both the Association of Piedmont Teachers (APT) and the Classified School Employees Association (CSEA) endorsed Measures G and H.
Mulberry’s owner and Campaign volunteer Chad Olcott with Michael Connors 
School Board members Megan Pillsbury and Sarah Pearson with Kristen Malan 
Amelie Kappes and Teebie Saunders
Emily Harrold, Tanya Antonucci, Sasha Bainer, Tara Boris, and Bridget Brennan
Amelie Kappes, Tara Boris, Rick Smith, Michele Kwok with daughters, and Bridget Brennan 
A toast to the chairs of the campaign 
Cathy Glazier and Christine Wente von Metzsch 
Hilary Cooper and web designer Linda Horne 
School Board Members Megan Pillsbury, Cory Smegal, Amal Smith, Andrea Swenson and Sarah Pearson 
New residents and enthusiastic volunteers Marc Fisher and his wife Kris along with chair Doug Ireland
Great job G&H campaign team! A win for children, schools and for the Piedmont community.
PUSD Families,
I am so thrilled to report that the Piedmont Community passed both Measures G & H. Your continued commitment to a robust public education is incredible! I want to thank the countless parent, staff, and student volunteers for all of their support and civic engagement over the past few months. It was encouraging to be a part of a community-wide conversation about our schools and how we support teaching and learning.
I fully recognize and am grateful for the commitment that families have made in our school system. I will continue to work closely with the Board of Education, teachers, staff, families, and students to ensure that Piedmont’s schools not only continue to provide excellence in education, but that we also continue to grow and improve in how we educate students.
Please join me in also thanking and acknowledging the election staff from the City of Piedmont. Their efforts ensured a smooth election day!
On behalf of all of the teachers, support staff, and administrators, thank you for your support and engagement with our incredible district.
Sincerely,
Randall Booker, Superintendent
Only sad part is the $125,000 spent on the special election that could have been used by the schools. The proposals should have been put on the primary ballot coming in the spring when more of the citizens would be voting
Grateful to Piedmont voters for supporting high quality public education.