Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Measures B and E.

Click on the question to see the answer.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please e-mail info@yesonbande.org.

What are Measures B & E

What is Measure B?

Measure B will maintain the existing Piedmont USD parcel tax that is set to expire next year. It will not increase the basic tax Piedmont citizens are already paying. This parcel tax generates $8 million each year and accounts for 27% of the school district’s budget.  It automatically expires every four years. Piedmont voters reauthorized it in 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005. Over 88% of Piedmont voters supported the most recent renewal.

 

If Measure B fails and the parcel tax expires, every single classroom in Piedmont will be impacted:

*Dozens of teachers will be laid off

*Class sizes will increase

*Specialized instruction in math, science, reading and writing will be reduced

*Many honors and advanced placement courses that allow students to attend the best colleges will be eliminated

*School counselors and librarians will be cut

 

Cuts of this magnitude will devastate Piedmont schools.

What is Measure E?

Even if Measure B passes, our schools will still be forced to make significant cuts resulting from the state budget crisis.  This crisis means that Piedmont schools lose $1 million per year in state funding, which is the equivalent of over 12 full-time teachers or 10 days of instruction. Measure E is the companion measure to Measure B and will provide temporary, emergency funding for three years only to reduce the devastating impacts of state budget cuts on our schools.

Specifically, Measure E will:

 *Prevent most teacher layoffs 

*Prevent increase in class sizes

*Protect programs such as music and foreign language

*Protect library and counseling services

 

Measure E requires an Independent Citizens’ Advisory Committee to regularly review the budget, examine the use of funds and recommend if Measure E is needed for the maximum three-year duration. If Measure E is no longer needed, it will be terminated early. Measure E costs an average of $248 annually – less than $5 per week.

Who will vote on Measures B & E?

All registered voters who live within the Piedmont Unified School District boundaries are eligible to vote on Measures B & E on the June 2, 2009 election. To pass, Measures B & E must receive at least 66.7% support from those who vote on the measures.

Don’t we already have a school parcel tax?

Yes. Piedmont voters first approved a local school parcel tax 24 years ago in 1985. This parcel tax automatically expires every four years. Piedmont voters reauthorized the parcel tax measure in 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005. Over 88% of Piedmont voters supported the most recent renewal. This stable local funding source provides 27% of the school district’s budget.

Why did the School Board approve a 5% increase in the parcel tax?

The parcel tax measures provide for annual increases of up to 5%.  In past years this increase was approved based on the Board's analysis of the financial forecast and public input. The 5% rate is not related to any cost of living index; rather it is a cap on the additional parcel tax contribution toward any shortfall in other revenue. Since the parcel tax accounts for approximately 27% of the current budget, a 5% increase in the parcel tax (approximately $400,000) is equivalent to a 1.3% contribution to the overall budget of approximately $30 million.

Why a “Yes” Vote on B & E is so Important

Why are Measures B & E needed?

Since 1985, Piedmont schools have benefited from the stable local funding provided by our school parcel tax. This parcel tax is locally controlled and reduces our dependence on state funding. The parcel tax accounts for 27% of the school district’s budget, which is the equivalent of 87 teachers each year. This parcel tax must be renewed periodically and is set to expire next year. In addition, due to the state budget crisis, Piedmont USD will lose over $1 million each year.  Measures B & E are on the ballot to maintain our stable local funding and to protect our schools from the impact of state budget cuts.

What will happen if Measures B & E do not pass?

If Measures B & E do not pass, the quality of our local schools will be threatened. Measure B generates $8 million, which is 27% of our school district’s $29 million budget. Without this stable local funding source, the district would be forced to make cuts equivalent to 87 full-time teachers, or 73 days of school instruction. If Measure E does not pass, approximately $1 million, or 4% of the district’s budget will be cut. This would be the equivalent of over 12 full-time teachers or 10 days of school instruction.

Will Measures B & E prevent all cuts to our local schools?

No. Measures B & E will maintain critical local funding and help reduce the devastating impact of state budget cuts. However, Measures B & E will not fully fund the expected budget shortfall. Even with Measures B & E, the District will need to cut as many as six full-time teachers and will increase the size of some classes.

Costs of Measures B & E

How much will Measures B & E cost?

Measure B will not increase your existing tax rate—it will simply renew the current tax rate. Measure E will be a three-year temporary increase that will be less than $5 per week.

Exactly how much will I have to pay if Measure B passes?

What you pay now is what you'll pay if Measure B passes -- your taxes will not increase. The tax is assessed at the following rates and will go into effect during the 2010/2011 tax year when the existing parcel tax measure expires:

 

Single Family Dwelling Parcel

0 - 4,999 sq ft lot                 $1,805/parcel

5,000 - 9,999 sq ft lot           $2,051/parcel

10,000 - 14,999 sq ft lot        $2,339/parcel

15,000 - 19,999 sq ft lot        $2,685/parcel

More than 20,000 sq ft lot     $3,065/parcel

 

Multi-Family Dwellings Parcel

Multi family dwellings/unit    $1200/unit

Multiple Parcel Dwellings     $1971/dwelling

 

Commercial Property

0 - 10,000 sq ft lot              $3,065/parcel

Commercial lots greater than 10,000 sq ft $4,583/parcel

 

Undeveloped Parcel            $916/parcel

 

 

Exactly how much more will I be paying in taxes if Measure E passes?

If the measure passes, the special tax to be imposed annually for a period of three years will not exceed the amounts listed below. Measure E will go into effect during this 2009/2010 tax year.

Single Family Dwelling Parcel

0 - 4,999 sq ft lot                 $219/parcel

5,000 - 9,999 sq ft lot           $249/parcel

10,000 - 14,999 sq ft lot        $284/parcel

15,000 - 19,999 sq ft lot        $326/parcel

More than 20,000 sq ft lot     $372/parcel

 

Multi-Family Dwellings Parcel

Multi family dwellings/unit    $146/unit

Multiple Parcel Dwellings     $239/dwelling

 

Commercial Property

0 - 10,000 sq ft lot              $372/parcel

Commercial lots greater than 10,000 sq ft $556/parcel

 

Undeveloped Parcel            $111/parcel

 

 

How can I be sure the funds will be spent properly?

An independent Citizens’ Advisory Committee will oversee the Measures B & E expenditures and ensure they are spent as voters intended. By law, these funds can only be spent as described in the measures. Funds cannot be spent on administrator salaries or be taken away by the State.

Why am I reading that our taxes are going up by 5% when you are telling me that it’s not increasing next term?

Our current parcel taxes can be increased by the School Board by up to 5% per year.  In March 2009, the School Board voted for a 5% increase for the final year (2009-2010) of the existing parcel tax.  That increase brings us to the ~$2100/avg parcel amount you've heard about.  That is the same amount that Measure B would levy the following year (2010-11) so there would be no increase between the existing tax and the new tax.  
Note: Measure E is  a small flat rate (avg $248/parcel) and cannot be increased

Is there a senior exemption for Measures B & E?

No.  While the community has considered one every four years since 1985, we've never been able to offer a senior exemption. Piedmont is a small community with under 4,000 parcels and no retail base, and we depend on all of our community members to support our schools. We recognize that especially for seniors on fixed incomes, the parcel tax represents a significant contribution and we greatly appreciate their commitment to supporting education in Piedmont.

 Duration of Measures B & E

When do Measure B and E go into effect?

Measure B won't go into effect until 2010/2011 because that's when the current parcel tax expires. Voters previously authorized parcel tax assessments in two separate measures on June 7, 2005 that are set to expire on July 1, 2010. Measure B combines those assessments and extends them for an additional four years.

 

Measure E goes into effect immediately during the 2009/2010 tax year because it is a temporary, emergency tax to address the shortfall in state funding for our schools due to the ongoing budget crisis.

 

How long will Measures B & E be in place?

If passed by at least 66.7% of local voters, Measure B will be in place for four years and Measure E will be in place for three years.

What guarantee do we have that Measure E will be temporary?

Measure E is only a 3 year tax, starting immediately for 2009-10.  Measure B is a 4-year tax, starting in 2010-11.  Therefore, Measure E expires 2 years before Measure B.  It cannot be extended without another election and we'll have to live without that money for 2 years before we have a renewal of Measure B.

 School Parcel Tax vs Bond Measure

How do these measures relate to the other Measure E that I hear about?

Measures B & E are not related to the Measure E that voters passed a few years ago. In 2006, local voters approved Measure E, which supports seismic upgrades and ensures our schools can withstand a major earthquake. This school bond measure is not related to Measures B & E in any way.

What is the difference between a parcel tax and a bond measure?

Parcel tax measures are the only way that a school district can secure stable local funding for programs, supplies and teachers. Bond measures can ONLY be used to fund facility upgrades—by law, bonds can only be used towards capital improvements and cannot fund programs. School bond measures must pass by 55% of the vote. Parcel tax measures can support programs, teachers and staff, textbooks, computers, and supplies. To pass, a parcel tax measure must receive at least 66.7% of the vote.

The Bond Measure E campaign was so alarmist -- why should I vote for this one?

There is no question that the 2005 bond measure was essential to address facilities that presented an imminent danger to students and staff. Misgivings about the 2005 Seismic Safety Bond Program are unfortunate but beside the point. Disappointment with how the bond program is administered has no bearing on how the educational program is administered.  Although the District now has significant additional responsibilities concerning the administration of the bond program, the core function of the District remains the provision of quality public education, and the District is recognized throughout the State for providing exceptionally high quality public education with low to average administrative costs.

 PUSD Fiscal Responsibility

What is the true increase in the school district budget?

Piedmont’s school budget has grown a very modest 3.5% annually over the past seven years – about the rate of inflation and typical for a California district.  State funding to PUSD has grown only 2.5% over the same period, but our district has maintained a sterling academic program despite revenues growing slower than the cost of living.
 
Inaccurate higher estimates of budget increases include one-time restricted state funding the district received as “use it or lose it” funds for specific programs.

Is the school district efficiently managed?

The District is beyond reproach in its fiscal management. PUSD issues budget and finances reports at least every 90 days to the Board of Education and the Alameda County Office of Education.  It provides regular reports to the Budget Advisory Committee and undergoes an annual audit by an independent auditor.

Our educational program remains very high -- despite steadily increasing costs and steadily decreasing revenue -- because the District has used its money effectively and efficiently.

What about making cuts to administration?

The District continues to make cuts and operate on an efficient budget. Over the past few years, the District has made cuts to administration, instructional aides, clerical support and maintenance. In fact, Piedmont USD spends less money per student on administration than similar districts in California. They have made every effort to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible.

Given the current economic recession, why have teachers not been asked to sacrifice more?

Concessions by teachers must be negotiated.  The teachers did agree to forgo salary increases for the next two years, and their total compensation (salary and benefits) will be revisited in the next round of negotiations.

Negotiated salary increases over the last three years have averaged 2.8% annually, as compared to growth in the state COLA of 4.9% for the same three year period.

Are there programs that could be cut, such as new textbook adoptions?

State law requires the District to provide textbooks to each student.  In addition, State law periodically requires the District to adopt new programs (for example, the District will soon adopt a new language arts program), necessitating the purchase of new textbooks.  The State provides money toward the purchase of these materials. The State funds are usually insufficient to meet all textbook needs.  However, through careful planning and support from the community, the District has consistently complied with the textbooks requirement.

Federal and State Funding

  Will Piedmont get any Federal Stimulus money?

With Piedmont’s demographics it’s unlikely that we will benefit from the Federal Stimulus funds.  There is a possibility that Piedmont schools will get $400,000 over 2 years.  This is categorical one time money and could save 2 FTEs, but we are losing 25 FTEs.

  Isn’t State funding adequate for our schools?

State funding is unstable and insufficient. State funding accounts for only 65% of our school district’s budget. Parents provide a significant amount of support and their contributions total 8% of the district’s budget. The parcel tax accounts for 27% of our district’s budget. Due to the state budget crisis, state funding for Piedmont USD will be cut by at least $1 million next year.

Schools and Property Values

I don’t have children in the schools. How will Measures B & E benefit me?

The outstanding quality of our local schools makes Piedmont a very desirable place for families to move. This increased demand for our homes helps protect our property values, which is important now more than ever.

Does maintaining the quality of Piedmont schools maintain the value of my home? How much more is a home in Piedmont really worth?

An analysis of selling prices for comparable 3 bed, 2 bath homes in Piedmont versus nearby Oakland concludes that buyers are willing to pay $324K more to live in Piedmont than in the same zip codes in Oakland. There is no doubt that a big chunk of this extra value is due to Piedmont’s high quality schools.  

How do new homebuyers justify paying that much more to live in Piedmont?

The incremental cost of buying the more expensive Piedmont Home (after taxes) is roughly the same as the tuition cost for one child.  But in the case of the Piedmont home purchase, the buyer eventually sells the house and gets the investment, plus appreciation, back.  For a family with three children, the eventual benefit to the household can approach nearly $1 million compared to the cost of paying private school tuition.

May 19 Special Election

What about the Statewide Election this spring?

On May 19, voters throughout California will vote on a series of statewide ballot measures. This is a separate election from Measures B & E. Measures B & E will appear on a separate ballot two weeks later on June 2.

Why did Piedmont schedule a June 2nd election in addition to May 19th Statewide Special Election?

The June 2nd election was scheduled before the May 19th election. The May 19th election was scheduled when the State was unable to resolve the budget crisis.

Why not wait until November after results of May 19th Statewide Special Election?

We need the money starting July 1, 2009.  With a November election the revenue will not be available until the fall of 2010. If the 5/19 measures pass we will face the $1.5 million deficit we are expecting. .  If it fails there is even greater urgency to pass Measure B & E on June 2nd as we can expect more cuts from the state than we currently have and the situation will get worse. We increase local control of $ and local control of schools by passing B & E on June 2nd.

In the aftermath of the May 19th statewide election, what is the projected impact on the PUSD budget now and into the future? 

Given the recent failure of the state budget measures, even if both Measures B & E pass, PUSD will still need to make approximately $925,000 in budget reductions beginning next year.  The district anticipates further cuts, but can't estimate the magnitude at this time.  Although the district hopes that the funds it receives from the federal stimulus package (roughly $1 million) will offset a good portion of the additional cuts that may need to be made as a result of the failure of these state measures, the net impact is still anticipated to be negative.  This is because the federal stimulus funds are one-time monies that would be used to fill an ongoing spending gap.  

 

June 2 Special Election

I've lost my absentee ballot. What should I do?

Call the Registrar of Voters at (510) 272-6973. If it's too late for them to send you a replacement ballot, you may go to your polling place on June 2 and fill out a provisional ballot. Your ballot will be counted once they check to be sure that your vote-by-mail ballot was not received.  One thing to note:  Since this is a special election, there are only six rather than the usual 12 polling places.  If you’re not sure where your polling place is for this election, attached is a link to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ website, with a list of polling assignments by neighborhood for June 2 election:  http://www.acgov.org/rov/next.htm

I missed the deadline for getting an absentee ballot and won't be in town on June 2. Is there any way I can still vote?

Yes. Bring your driver's license to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters any weekday before June 2nd between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Registrar of Voters is located in the basement of the old Court House, 1225 Fallon St. in Oakland.  You enter the building on the 12th Street side. There's usually plenty of parking. Call 267-8683 for more information.  

How can I be sure my mail-in ballot was received?

You can check to see if your ballot was received here: 
http://www.acgov.org/rov/voter_av_lookup_June.htm

If no record of your ballot shows up online, you can still vote by submitting a provisional ballot at your polling place on June 2nd.

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions about Measures B & E, please email info@YesonBandE.org