Measure A states: To preserve small class sizes; maintain educational programs that enhance student achievement; and restore some essential education programs – including elementary literacy, math, and art support, and middle and high school class offerings – shall the Palo Alto Unified School District replace its current parcel tax with a $493 yearly assessment for six years with an optional exemption for senior citizens and an independent oversight committee?

On February 8, 2005,  with a crowd of parents and school supporters in attendance, the PAUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to place Measure A, a $493 parcel tax, on the June 7 ballot.  If passed, Measure A will provide $9.3 million annually for six years and replace the current parcel tax, which expires next year.

Income from Measure A will allow Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) to prevent teacher layoffs; maintain current class sizes in kindergarten through 10th grade; and restore some of the more critical cuts made in recent years including those to middle and high school class offerings, elementary reading, math, and art programs, librarian hours, counseling services, and instructional materials.

The current parcel tax is set to expire on June 30, 2006.  Defeat of Measure A would force the Board of Education to adopt a 2006-07 budget that includes $5.5 million in further reductions.  Cuts that would have to be considered include increasing class sizes, laying off as many as 107 teachers, further reducing middle and high school courses, and potentially closing an elementary school.  Before our community and our children are harmed by such drastic measures, we feel it is imperative that the community be provided an opportunity to decide.  Do we maintain our current education programs by raising a stable source of local revenue?  Or, will the PAUSD Board of Education be forced to proceed with new, deep and unprecedented cuts to core academic programs?

Our children's education, the value of our property, and the future of our community are inextricably linked to the excellence of our schools.  Hundreds of volunteers have mounted a grassroots campaign to pass this important measure.  Your help on behalf of our children is needed.  Please use the email addresses below to get involved in the campaign.  Let’s continue the tradition of excellence in PAUSD schools!

Campaign Co-Chairs:
Gary Fazzino
Jon Foster
Megan Swezey Fogarty

email:  chairs@campaignforexcellence.org

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Last modified: 06/06/05