In a survey conducted by an independent research firm this past November for the Piedmont Unified School District, more than 80% of community respondents said they supported renewing Measure G at its current rate. Measure G, passed in 2019, is considered the base tax and is the ongoing, per parcel tax renewed every six or eight years.
With that data in hand, the Board of Education on Wednesday night said that they plan to approve a resolution in January to renew the measure. The measure is expected to be placed on the June ballot, Board President Lindsay Thomasson said.
Measure G’s term is up in 2028. The current amount is $3,051 per parcel, generating $11.9 million annually. Measure G makes up 21% of the school district’s budget.
“In my career I struggle to think of examples, other than in Piedmont, where we’ve had initial ballot tests that are in the 80s,” said True North Research President Tim McLarney. “It’s testimony to the exceptional nature of your community.”
District voters have approved parcel taxes for Piedmont schools since 1985 to supplement the funding from the State. Parcel tax measures must receive 2/3 voter approval to pass.
In the survey, 96 percent of the 342 voters surveyed ranked maintaining the quality of the schools as the most important issue facing the community. “Attracting and retaining high quality teachers” was listed as the top priority, followed by strengthening reading, writing and language programs, supporting advanced, high quality STEM and college prep classes, and maintaining class sizes.
Measure P, passed by voters in November 2024, is the newest tax that is assessed at $0.50 per building square footage. The average single-family home of 2,500 square feet pays $1250 per year. Measure P generates approximately $5.2M annually and is designated for educator retention and recruitment.
A parcel tax campaign leadership team was announced earlier this fall. Once the Board approves the resolution in January, the team led by district parents Ted Kinch and Rebecca Pelle will kick into gear to raise awareness of, and garner support for, the June ballot measure.