Item Coversheet

ALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL AGENDA ITEM


Item Title:Consideration of Ballot Language to Extend Local Revenue Measures Supporting Alameda Schools (10 Mins/Information)
Item Type:Information
Background:
 

In order to help ensure a stable funding source for Alameda schools while maintaining quality education, AUSD is actively exploring options to renew our local parcel tax funding.

Currently, the District relies on two existing revenue sources to support quality schools and attract and retain excellent teachers.

Measure B1:

  • Expires June 2025
  • ~$12 $13 Million in revenue

 

Measure A:

  • Expires June 2027
  • ~$10 $11 Million in revenue

Together the two measures provide 20 percent of AUSD’s annual budget.

While no final decisions have been made, the District is considering a measure that would consolidate these two funding sources into a single measure. This potential measure could continue to provide locally controlled funding to help AUSD maintain quality schools by:

  • Sustaining strong academic programs in reading, writing, math, arts, and sciences
  •  Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers by keeping salary and benefits competitive
  • Supporting teachers and counselors in keeping struggling students on the right track
  • Protecting art, music, and performing arts programs

 

Without this funding the district would have to make major cuts in areas ranging from employee salaries, support personnel, district office staff, and number of schools operating across the district.

 

Today, staff is sharing proposed ballot language for a parcel tax measure to be placed on the March 2024 ballot. Staff will bring the proposed ballot language back on November 14th for action.

 

If the Board approves ballot language on November 14th, staff will submit the approval ballot language to the County by December 8, 2023 to qualify for the March 5, 2024 election.

 

If the measure passes, all funds would continue to be controlled locally and could not be taken away by the State, and as with the current parcel taxes, there would be independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits required. In addition, senior citizen homeowners and those receiving SSI would continue to be eligible for an exemption.

 

AUSD LCAP Goals:4. Ensure that all students have access to basic services.
Fiscal Analysis

Amount (Savings) (Cost):


If passed by voters, the revenue generated would be $22 million annually.
Recommendation:This item is presented for information and will return to the Board for approval at a subsequent meeting.
AUSD Guiding Principle:#2 - Teachers must challenge and support all students to reach their highest academic and personal potential.| #3 - Administrators must have the knowledge, leadership skills and ability to ensure student success.| #5 - Accountability, transparency, and trust are necessary at all levels of the organization.| #6 - Allocation of funds must support our vision, mission, and guiding principles.| #7 - All employees must receive respectful treatment and professional support to achieve district goals.
Submitted By:Pasquale Scuderi, Superintendent

ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
Parcel Tax Language11/2/2023Backup Material