Local Funding FAQs 

How are our local Petaluma City Schools doing?

Thanks to excellent teachers and strong support for local schools from parents and the community, local students graduate prepared for college and in-demand careers.

What challenges face our local schools?

Nationally, California ranks among the lowest in funding per student provided to public schools and Petaluma City Schools (PCS) receives far less funding than many school districts in the North Bay. As a result, PCS is losing teachers and to other nearby school districts that offer higher compensation. Many local teachers and school employees have had to take on second and even third jobs in order to support themselves and their families.

Why does PCS struggle to attract and retain high-quality teachers?

Having a great teacher in the classroom is the most important element of providing a quality education for students. Qualified and experienced teachers support high-quality instruction in science, technology, engineering, math, writing, arts and music.

How exactly would a potential measure help support our local schools and students?

To protect quality education, our Board of Education is exploring options for enhancing locally controlled funding that cannot be taken away by the State. One option is to place a local education parcel tax measure on the ballot for local voters to consider. If approved by 66.7% of voters, funds could be used in local junior high and high schools to: 

• Attract and retain excellent teachers

• Enhance science, technology, engineering, math and writing opportunities for students

• Expand art, music, and language programs

• Maintain smaller class sizes

• Provide counseling to support students

• Provide school librarians and keep school libraries open

• Prepare students for college and careers

What fiscal accountability provisions will be included in a potential renewal measure?

A potential measure would continue existing fiscal accountability requirements, including:

• All funds raised by the measure must only go to local PCS schools and cannot be taken away by Sacramento

• An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and mandatory annual audits would continue to ensure funds are spent as promised

• None of the money raised could be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions

• Homeowners age 65 and over and low income people with disabilities would be eligible for an exemption

Does the State provide funding to help support our schools?

Nationally, California ranks among the lowest in funding provided to public schools. Petaluma schools receive far less funding than many school districts in the North Bay. Given the loss of temporary funding, the potential measure will prevent significant cuts to academic programs and teachers.

Haven’t we passed a parcel tax already?

Yes, in 2007 voters supported our local schools with the passage of Measure D. However, during the last three years, PCS has lost close to 40% of their teachers and certificated school employees. Additional funding is needed to keep our great teachers in the classroom and provide a quality education. Petaluma is losing our best teachers and school employees to other nearby school districts that offer higher compensation and are working to attract our most talented teachers. 

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

Even if you do not have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes.

Has PCS been a good steward of past voter-approved funding?

Yes. The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee has reviewed every penny of parcel tax funding and consistently found that AUSD has spent all funds on voter-approved projects and programs. You can read the latest reports by visiting our parcel tax information page.

Would senior citizen homeowners be exempt from the cost?

Yes. Senior citizens homeowners would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure.

Would all funds benefit our neighborhood schools only?

All funds from a potential measure would benefit local schools only. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.

How can I share my thoughts?

As PCS explores options to keep great teachers in local classrooms and protect quality academic programs, we welcome your input. For more information or to ask questions, please contact communications@petk12.org.