FAQ | Vote Yes on T

Measure T FAQ

Why is Measure T on the ballot now?

The election for Measure T is on May 6, 2025 because additional funding is needed now to prevent cuts to course offerings for students and teacher layoffs. Last year, AUHSD had sufficient reserves and temporary stimulus funding to avoid cuts. Now, reserves are reaching minimum levels and temporary funding has expired. Waiting until 2026 to hold the election would be too late to avoid devastating cuts to teaching positions and academic programs for students.

How much will Measure T cost?

Measure T costs $130 per year or less than $11 per month. Our high school parcel tax has not increased in 15 years and no longer covers the rising costs of providing the programs it was originally intended to fund. Measure T will automatically expire in eight years and cannot be renewed without voter approval. The rate adjusts annually by up to 3% to ensure the funding keeps pace with inflation. Seniors are eligible for a full exemption from the cost.

Is this election expensive and unnecessary?

No. With Measure T, $4.5 million in locally controlled funding for our local high schools is at stake. AUHSD will reimburse the County Elections Department for the cost of placing the measure on the ballot. While special elections are more expensive than general elections, the District would have to pay to place the measure on any ballot, even if one was placed on the November 2024 ballot. Without Measure T, our students will lose access to courses they need to prepare for college and the workforce and teachers will be laid off.

Don't we already pay other school parcel taxes?

Our high schools are administered by a separate school district from our elementary and middle schools. While we pay other parcel taxes to support our elementary and middle schools, none of this funding goes to support our high schools.

Why do we need parcel taxes if we already pay a lot in property taxes?

Out of all the high school districts in California, AUHSD receives the lowest level of per student state funding. Our high schools are excellent because we supplement basic state funding with locally controlled parcel tax funding and donations to our school foundations. With all the uncertainty in state and federal government, locally controlled funding is more important than ever to sustain quality education locally.

What is Measure T?

Measure T, a $130 parcel tax measure, on the May 6, 2025, special election mailed ballot would enhance locally controlled funding to continue attracting and retaining great teachers, keeping class sizes manageable and providing a wide range of challenging and enriching course offerings for students.

How will Measure T appear on the ballot?

"Shall the measure supporting high quality education in local high schools by continuing advanced academic programs in math, science, engineering and art; attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers; preparing students for college and in-demand careers; and maintaining manageable class sizes, with Acalanes Union High School District levying a $130 parcel tax for eight years, with senior exemptions, annual inflation adjustments, independent oversight, providing $4,500,000 annually in local school funding that cannot be taken by the State, be adopted?"

Has locally controlled funding increased for our high schools in the last 15 years?

Voter-approved funding sources have not increased in 15 years despite the costs of providing a high-quality education with excellent teachers increasing. Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) receives the lowest levels of state funding in California. The State does not provide adequate funding for the extensive AP programs, small class sizes, and up-to-date technology that our community expects of our local high schools.

Why do we need Measure T?

Each of AUHSD’s high schools is facing potential cuts to key academic programs. The funding that sustains local high schools’ academic programs has not increased in 15 years, yet the cost of providing these programs has increased over the years. Without Measure T, the future of these programs and teachers is at risk.

How specifically will Measure T ensure academic excellence in local high schools?

Voting Yes on T will provide $4.5 million annually in locally controlled funding to support the essentials to an excellent education in each of our local high schools. Specifically, Measure T will:

Continue advanced academic programs including math, science, engineering, and the arts
Attract and retain highly qualified teachers
Prepare students for college and in-demand careers
Maintain manageable class sizes
Provide library services, academic counseling, and career training
Keep technology up-to-date
Provide instructional equipment, materials, and supplies to support the District’s academic programs

How can I be sure funds from Measure T will be spent as promised?

Measure T requires strict accountability provisions, including:

All money stays in our local high schools — the State can’t take a single penny
No funds may be used for administrator salaries
Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits are required

Who is paying for this election?

The Acalanes School District placed a parcel tax measure on the May 2025 special election ballot because the needs of the District are urgent. Waiting until 2026 would result in cuts to vital school programs. Special elections are legal and within the rights of the District. As with measures during regularly scheduled elections, the District will pay for the cost associated with the election. This money will not come out of voter-funded parcel tax funding. If approved by voters, Measure T will provide funds for AP classes, top teachers, and small class sizes that help prepare students for college and in-demand careers.

Who is eligible to be exempt from Measure T?

Senior citizens and those with certain disabilities can apply for an exemption from the cost.

How can we be sure that Measure T funds will only support local high schools?

By law, funds from Measure T can only be used in AUHSD’s four high schools and its independent high school programs. Nothing can be taken by the State or used for any other purpose.

I don’t have children who attend AUHSD; how does this impact me?

Our local high schools in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga are among the best in the State and why many of us chose to move to the communities we live in. Even if you don’t have kids in school, strong local high schools are critical to strong local property values and protect the investments we all made in our homes.

How many votes does Measure T need to pass?

In order to pass, Measure T must be supported by two-thirds of those who cast a vote on it. It is critical we all take the time to vote Yes in this election to protect quality education and excellent teachers.

When can we vote on Measure T?

The measure will be on the May 6, 2025 special election mailed ballot. All registered voters in the Acalanes Union High School District will receive a ballot in the mail in early April. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote Yes on T, follow the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope and place it in the mail or an Official Ballot Drop Box right away.

How can I ensure I’m registered to vote on this critical issue?

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Contra Costa County Registrar of voters at www.contracostavote.gov or by calling 925-335-7800. Your vote for Measure T protects quality education, exceptional teachers, and our property values!

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure T?

Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure T for local students. Some ways you can help pass Measure T include donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on T lawn sign at your home and adding your name to our list of Measure T supporters!