The school district’s decision to pursue a new parcel tax this year helped bring an end to a contentious year of negotiations with the teachers union over salary and benefits. Passing Measure P will raise the salary increase for 2025-2026 and will stave off more deep cuts to the budget.
Piedmont is a community that places a premium on education, one that has, for nearly 40 years, supported parcel taxes as a means to keep our schools strong. The district lost valued educators in the tumultuous pandemic years, some to retirement or burnout, but many to new jobs in districts offering better compensation.
State funding has not kept pace with the true cost of a quality public education. Measure P will cost property owners 50 cents per square foot — and generate $5 million annually for the Piedmont schools. That money will help our district attract and retain the highly qualified teachers needed to deliver a comprehensive TK-12 program, one that is recognized regionally and nationally for its excellence.
As usual in California, there’s a lot on the ballot this election. Measure P needs 2/3 voter approval to pass — please don’t overlook it. You’ll find the Measure listed by itself on the *back* of Card D, the last page of four.