Hayward, Castro Valley And Piedmont Schools All Asking Voters To Approve Funding Measures On June Ballot

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Voters in three Alameda County communities are being asked to approve new or extend existing property taxes to support local school districts in the upcoming June 2 election.

The largest of the three, Hayward Unified School District, is asking voters to approve Measure G, a $98 parcel tax that would provide roughly $4 million annually for 12 years.

Requiring two-thirds voter approval to pass, Measure G would support academic programs in reading, writing, math, art and science, would help the district attract and retain teachers and staff, minimize layoffs and preserve literacy programs, among other things.

"Hayward students have already experienced deep budget cuts and are facing millions more in cuts that will directly impact classroom programs, academics, and teachers," according to the ballot argument in favor of Measure G. "Voting Yes on G won't prevent all the cuts, but it will prevent the most devastating cuts that threaten critical support for all students, including those with special needs."

In 2017, voters in the district renewed and increased the existing parcel tax to $88 per year and funding from that tax is set to expire in three years, according to information posted on the district's website.

Also, in 2024, district voters approved Measure I, a bond measure that established a property tax of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value to raise more than $35 million annually to repair and upgrade school facilities. By law, Measure I dollars can only be spent on repairs and physical improvements to classrooms and other facilities and can't be used for teachers, school staff or education programs that are now facing budget cuts, according to HUSD officials.

If approved, Measure G would provide exemptions for people 65 years old and older and certain low-income people with disabilities.

No argument opposing Measure G was submitted to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

HUSD serves more than 19,000 students in 30 schools located in Hayward and surrounding unincorporated areas.

The smallest of the three districts asking for voter approval is Piedmont Unified School District, which operates six schools serving 2,500 students.

PUSD's Measure H is an extension of an existing $3,174 parcel tax and, if two-thirds of voters approve, it will raise about $12 million a year until it's "modified or repealed" by voters, according to the ballot language.

The funds represent about 25% of the district's overall budget and will be spent to support programs in math, science, technology, engineering, English, music and the arts as well as to attract and retain teachers and to keep class sizes "manageable," according to the measure.

Supporters warn of dire consequences if Measure H fails.

"The Piedmont Board of Education will have to cut about $12 million from the annual budget, which will force major teacher and staff layoffs and significant cuts to academic programs in all Piedmont schools," according to the Yes on Measure H website.

The measure would provide exemptions for certain low-income elderly and disabled residents.

People living inside the Castro Valley Unified School District boundaries are also being asked to help raise education funds, in this case via a bond -- Measure B -- that would levy a $52.50 per $100,000 of assessed value to raise $212 million.

If approved by 55% of district voters, the money would be earmarked for facility maintenance and improvements across the district's 16 schools, which serve about 10,000 students.

"Our aging classrooms, labs, career training, and other school facilities need repairs and upgrades to protect student safety, school security, and provide up-to-date learning environments," according to the ballot argument in favor of Measure B.

Supporters also say it would help the district qualify for "$20 million in state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts."

District voters have previously approved three bond measures that are still in effect, according to the full text of Measure B, and district officials estimate that the maximum combined tax rate across all its bonds is $134.10 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The district also estimates that the total debt service "that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $426,215,471," according to the measure's language.

Peter Kavaler, who submitted an argument against Measure B, identifies himself as a 36-year resident of Castro Valley.

"The school board refuses to put aside enough money every year for basic maintenance, and instead asks us for an enormous sum of money for relatively simple items," according to the opposition argument. "Don't fall for this nonsense. Demand that the school board act responsibly with your money."

In response, supporters' rebuttal argument says Measure B's "lone opponent hasn't visited our schools, doesn't understand our needs, and is misinformed."

"Approval of Measure G in 2016 funded the first phase of school improvements, but couldn't address all identified needs," according to the rebuttal. "Independent oversight committee reports confirm all funds were spent as promised on projects completed on time and on budget."

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