What is Measure I?
Measure I will keep outstanding teachers and strong academic programs in Castro Valley schools. We have high-quality schools here in our community, yet our schools are among the lowest funded in Alameda County and our District has already made extensive cuts. Measure I will provide locally-controlled funding to ensure local students continue receiving the quality education they deserve. Every penny stays in our community and independent citizens oversight is required.
Why do we need Measure I?
We cannot rely on the State to provide the funding our schools need. The Bay Area is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and many of our teachers live right here in Castro Valley. We need Measure I to continue retaining and attracting the highest quality teachers to improve student achievement and continue providing a top-quality education to students. Measure I will maintain strong academic programs and provide technology and career technical education to continue to prepare students for the competitive economy.
How will Measure I support Castro Valley students?
Measure I will provide locally-controlled funding to:
- Retain and attract highly qualified teachers
- Preserve strong academic programs in reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts and math
- Prepare students for college and careers
- Support the health and well-being of all students
- Keep schools clean and well-maintained
How do I know that funds will be spent as promised?
- Every penny stays local
- No funds can be taken away by the State
- Citizens’ oversight and annual audits are required
- No funds can go to administrator salaries
- The district is committed to transparency at all levels. Any citizen is invited to attend all board meetings including meetings where reporting on Measure I spending is discussed.
How much will Measure I cost?
Measure I will generate $1.5 million annually for our schools and will cost homeowners $96 per year per parcel owned, which equals $8 per month. This is a small price to pay to keep qualified teachers in the classroom, maintain rigorous academic programs and continue preparing local students for success. Every penny stays local and independent citizen oversight is required.
What will the cost be for renters?
Only property owners who pay property taxes will pay the cost. However, landlords may pass all or a portion of the cost of a measure on to their tenants.
Are senior citizens eligible for an exemption from the cost of Measure I?
Yes. Senior citizen homeowners, aged 65 and older, can apply for an exemption for their primary residence. In addition, those who receive Supplemental Security Income for a disability or those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and have an income lower than 250 percent of the 2012 poverty guidelines are also be eligible for an exemption from the cost. If Measure I passes, you can contact the District to learn more about the exemption application. Even if you choose to take the exemption, you can still vote YES on Measure I for Castro Valley students.
How does Castro Valley Unified School District compare to other districts in Alameda County?
Castro Valley Unified School District is one of the lowest-funded districts in Alameda County. Of the 18 unified school districts in Alameda County, Castro Valley Unified School District is the fifteenth lowest in per pupil funding.
Has the District already implemented cuts?
Yes. The District has taken every effort to make cuts, where possible, while still protecting the quality of education for our students. The District has already made $1.8 million in ongoing cuts in the past two years. Cuts have included reducing administration, reducing professional development for our teachers, as well as reducing supplies and budgets for school sites. Without Measure I, the District will need to make additional cuts.
What will happen if Measure I doesn’t pass?
Without additional revenue, Castro Valley Unified School District will be forced to make additional cuts. The District may need to make reductions to teacher and support staffing and reductions to important programs supporting students.
Does Castro Valley Unified School District currently have a parcel tax measure?
No. Castro Valley Unified School District is one of the only school districts in Alameda County without a parcel tax to provide stable, locally-controlled revenue for our schools. Many of our surrounding school districts such as Dublin Unified School District, San Leandro Unified School District, San Lorenzo Unified School District, Livermore Unified School District, Fremont Unified School District, Alameda Unified School District, Hayward Unified School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District and many others all have approved parcel tax measures.
Did we recently pass a measure for Castro Valley schools?
In 2016, over 69% of local voters approved Measure G, a facilities bond measure to fund much needed facility improvements in schools. Measure G funds can only fund facility improvements and upgrades, so Measure G funds cannot support student academic programs or teachers. On the other hand, a parcel tax measure like Measure I can fund academic programs and help retain and attract teachers. For more information about Measure G projects, go to: https://www.cv.k12.ca.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1539236&type=d&pREC_ID=1669622
What about the statewide measure on the ballot this March?
This March, a statewide school bond is on the ballot. If approved, the measure would provide funds for construction projects for K-12 schools, universities and community colleges. Although it’s possible that Castro Valley Unified School District may qualify for some state matching funds to update our school facilities, there is no guarantee. Plus, this funding could only be used for capital improvements to school facilities, as opposed to retaining teachers or protecting academic programs. Even if the statewide measure passes, our schools need Measure I to continue providing a high-quality education to local students.
I don’t have children in school; why should I vote YES on Measure I?
Castro Valley schools are among the best in the county, making this community a desirable place to live. We need Measure I so our schools can continue offering an excellent education, which helps keep property values high and neighborhoods strong and safe.
When can I vote YES on Measure I?
Election Day is March 3, 2020. All absentee voters will receive their ballot in the mail the first week of February. To pass, Measure I must be supported by 66.7% of those who vote, so we need every school supporter to remember to vote YES. To learn more about voting in this election, visit www.acvote.org.
How do I register to vote YES on Measure I?The deadline to register to vote in this election is February 18, 2020. To register, visit www.registertovote.ca.gov
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