WHAT IS MEASURE S FUNDING?
Measure S supports expanded preschool, early childhood education, and childcare; reading, writing, and math instruction for elementary and middle school students; and teacher recruitment and retention including the following initiatives.
Expanded, affordable, high-quality preschool and early childhood education for all including the following components to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Additional spaces for infants, toddlers, and children under age four
Early education program facilities that meet quality and safety standards
Living wages for early childhood educators
Helping low-income parents afford childcare
Competitive 21st century elementary and middle school learning including the following components.
High quality reading, writing, and math instruction for all students
Retaining and attracting quality teachers
Maintaining small class sizes
HOW MUCH WOULD SUSTAINING THESE CRITICAL INVESTMENTS COST?
Extending, and increasing, the current parcel tax to $434 per parcel raises an estimated revenue of $2,700,000 annually adjusted for inflation for an additional 8 years starting on July 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2034. An exemption is available for people aged 65 and older and other citizens as described below, and all money remains local and is subject to public oversight.
WHAT IS A PARCEL TAX?
A parcel tax is an annual tax on every parcel owned that supplements state funding by investing in programs and people throughout San Mateo County and California, supporting children, families, and communities.
HOW WILL I KNOW THE FUNDS ARE SPENT RESPONSIBLY?
The District facilitates processes, and transparency, ensuring resources are spent strategically in service of students. This is best encapsulated in the district's strategic plan priority number five: "manage people, time, and budget responsibly, equitably, and strategically in service of students."
You can view the District’s budget and finance overview here, as well as the District’s credit score upgrade based on improved fiscal management.
Additionally, the proceeds of the parcel tax will be placed in a special account, with annual accounting for parcel tax revenues collected and expended. Also, a report on the status of projects or programs funded by the tax will be filed with the Board of Trustees annually, and an independent citizen's oversight committee will review the expenditures of the parcel tax.
WHO CAN VOTE ON MEASURE S?
All registered voters within Ravenswood City School District are able to vote on Measure S, regardless of whether or not they have children in the District.
ARE THERE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PARCEL TAX?
An exemption from Measure S is made, upon application, for persons 1) age 65 or older 2) receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, or 3) receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and have an annual income not exceeding 250% of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MEASURE S DOES NOT PASS?
If Measure S fails to pass on November 5, the following initiatives will be further delayed: expanded preschool and early childhood education; reading, writing, and math instruction for elementary and middle school students; and teacher recruitment and retention.