Vote YES on B

Measure B, on the June 2, 2026, ballot, will renew local funding at a reduced tax rate to support quality teaching, academic programs, and support for Palo Alto students.

Since 2001, Palo Alto Unified Schools have relied on locally controlled funding to support quality teachers, strong academic programs, and to provide support for students. This funding is set to expire next year unless we vote YES on B. Without Measure B, Palo Alto schools will have to cut approximately $15,000,000 from the annual budget, which will force teacher layoffs, cuts to academic programs, and increased class sizes.

Voting YES on B will renew local school funding to: 

• Attract and retain quality teachers
• Preserve reading, writing and language programs 
• Support advanced instruction in science, technology, engineering and math 
• Protect small class sizes 
• Prepare students for college and careers 
• Provide support for students who are struggling

Measure B includes strict fiscal responsibility protections, including: 

• Every penny from Measure B is controlled locally and cannot be taken by the state or federal government
• Independent oversight, public spending disclosure and annual audits will continue to ensure funds are spent as promised 
• No funds may be used for administrator salaries, benefits or pensions 
• Measure B will reduce local tax rates

Measure B will renew local school funding at a reduced tax rate of $800 per parcel for four years. Without Measure B the cost will be $941 next year. Due to growth in local property tax revenue, PAUSD is able to reduce the parcel tax rate while maintaining current levels of programs and services for students.

Yes. Homeowners aged 65+ would be eligible for an optional exemption from the cost of Measure B. Those currently exempt would not need to reapply. Low-income homeowners with disabilities that qualify for federal SSI and SSDI benefits are also eligible for an exemption.

Without Measure B, PAUSD loses $15,000,000 annually. Within three years, PAUSD’s healthy emergency reserves are depleted and cuts to teachers and programs are required. Cuts will be required to the programs and services that make Palo Alto schools exceptional and keep our students safe and healthy, including:

• Advanced programs like robotics, engineering, computer science, and biotech
• AP/ honors courses helping students qualify for top universities
• Support for students with special needs, like physical/ learning disabilities and mental health challenges

No. The approximately $35,000 PAUSD spends per student is consistent with the amount that great public schools in Los Altos, CA; Woodside, CA; Menlo Park, CA; Mill Valley, CA; Scarsdale, NY; Princeton, NJ; and Weston, MA invest in their students. This level of funding supports the advanced programs that allow students to compete for admission to top universities and the services that address the specific needs and challenges local students face.

No. PAUSD is well run, with healthy emergency reserves, and a sound budget supporting world-class public education. This results from careful fiscal management and decades of community support for local school funding. Without Measure B, PAUSD loses $15,000,000 annually. Within three years, PAUSD’s healthy emergency reserves are depleted and cuts to teachers and programs are required. 

Since 2001, PAUSD has relied upon stable parcel tax funding that protects our schools from unpredictable events like the dismantling of the federal Department of Education, state funding cuts, and uncertain property tax revenue in a softening housing market. In uncertain times, PAUSD needs stable funding more than ever. Without Measure B, parcel tax funding expires next year and PAUSD loses $15,000,000 annually, requiring deep budget cuts.

PAUSD’s parcel tax funding was first approved in 2001 and renewed in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Unless renewed by Measure B, this funding will expire in 2027 and $15 million in annual funding will need to be cut from the budget.

No. By law, no funds from Measure B can be used for operating expense, including administrator salaries and pensions.

All funds from Measure B will benefit Palo Alto Unified schools only. No funds can be taken by the state or federal government, or used for other purposes. 

Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protects the value of our homes. Additionally, the new facilities will be available to every member of the community for after-school use.

Measure B will be on the June 2, 2026, ballot. All registered voters within the Palo Alto Unified School District will receive a ballot by mail in early May. You can vote by mail, drop your ballot in a drop box, or vote in person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on Measure B and return it right away. 

At least 66.67% of those voters who cast a ballot on Measure B must vote “Yes” in order for Measure B to be approved.

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters at vote.santaclaracounty.gov or by calling (866) 430-VOTE (8683).

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