Measure I
Support High Quality Education on the November 4th Special Election Ballot!
Petaluma City Schools provides a high-quality education for approximately 7,400 students attending seven elementary schools, nine secondary schools and an adult education school serving the greater Petaluma area.
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​Nationally, California ranks among the lowest in funding per student provided to public schools and Petaluma City Schools receives far less funding than many school districts in the North Bay.
Due to inconsistent state and federal funding, the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education believes that locally controlled funding from a school parcel tax is important for keeping great teachers in local classrooms and protecting quality academic programs in local schools and is putting forth a ballot measure for local voters to consider enhanced funding for local junior high schools and high schools that cannot be taken away by the State.
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If approved by local voters, funds from the local school parcel tax measure would be used to attract and retain excellent teachers; enhance science, technology, engineering, math and writing opportunities for students; maintain smaller class sizes; provide school librarians and keep school libraries open; and prepare students for college and careers.
Measure I would require fiscal accountability protections, including:
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Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and mandatory annual audits to ensure funds are spent as promised.​
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None of the funds raised by the parcel tax measure could be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions.​
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All funds from the measure must stay local to benefit local junior high schools and high schools only
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No funds could be taken by the State or Federal government, or used for other purposes.​
Are there exemptions from the parcel tax?
Yes! Measure I provides a full exemption from the cost of the measure for senior citizen homeowners aged 65 and over.This optional exemption is available to ensure the cost of the measure is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes. Low-income homeowners with disabilities are also eligible for an exemption.
How long will Measure I continue?
Measure I is temporary and will automatically expire in 8 years.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How would this measure impact me?
Even if you do not have school-age children, quality local schools help keep our community and property values strong.
Is Measure I based on the assessed value of my house?
No. This is a per parcel tax, meaning each home or business will pay a flat rate of $129 per year ($10.50 per month) to protect quality education at our local Petaluma schools. Strong schools mean strong communities, which in turn means strong property values.
How many votes does Measure I need to pass?
In order to pass, Measure I must be supported by 66.7% of those who cast a vote on the measure in the November 4th election.
How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters at (707) 565-6800 or visit their website at tinyurl.com/SonomaCoROV for more information. Every vote counts, please register and vote Yes on I!