FAQ | Yes on A

Frequently Asked Questions

About Measure A

How are Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools performing?

Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools are two of the highest-performing high schools in the state

and nation. In the State of California, our district is ranked first in mathematics of all high school

districts; Niche ranked us 3rd out of 504 California districts; and US News & World Report puts

both high schools in the top 3% in the country. We all benefit from high property values and a

strong community because of our excellent high schools.

What is Measure A?

Measure A, on the May 7, 2024 ballot, will renew the expiring local funding that keeps excellent

teachers and award-winning academic programs in local high schools. Los Gatos and Saratoga

High Schools are among the highest-performing high schools in the state and nation, keeping

our community and property values strong. Local students and teachers succeed in large part

thanks to locally controlled funding that has directly benefited our neighborhood schools for

the past decade and is set to expire unless we vote to pass Measure A.

Why do we need Measure A?

We live in one of the most expensive places in the country. Local teachers are already among

the lowest paid in Santa Clara County and struggle to afford to live in the community they

serve. Without Measure A, our schools will continue to lose top teacher talent. That’s why we

need Measure A — not only will it prevent painful layoffs, but it will help ensure local teachers

don’t leave for higher paying districts. Keeping skilled, experienced, and dedicated teachers in

local schools is imperative to protecting quality education.

How does teacher compensation in local high schools compare to other high-performing

districts?

High schools in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Santa Clara, Cupertino and Sunnyvale all

provide higher teacher salaries than Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools. Simply put, without

additional funding, we are going to lose top teacher talent to higher-paying districts.

How has local funding supported our schools?

For over 10 years, LGSUHSD voters have supported our neighborhood schools with locally

controlled parcel tax funding to help support innovative academic programs and attract and

retain qualified teachers in District high schools. However, this funding is set to expire, meaning

that LGSUHSD would lose even more teacher talent to neighboring districts, unless we vote Yes

on A to renew this expiring funding.

How exactly would Measure A support LGSUHSD’s teachers and academic programs?

Measure A would continue to be used to:

Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and school staff
Maintain core academic programs and high-quality science, math, technology, robotics, engineering, and AP courses
Provide programs that prepare students for college and future careers
Support high student achievement
Ensure teacher salaries are competitive with surrounding districts

How can I be sure funds from Measure A would be spent as promised?

Measure A includes strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:

All funds will be controlled locally and cannot be taken away by the State
No Measure A funds can be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions
Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits will ensure Measure A
funds are spent as promised
Senior citizen homeowners will continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost

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

Yes. The Parcel Tax Oversight Committee has reviewed every penny of past parcel tax funding

and consistently found that LGSUHSD has spent all funds on voter-approved projects and

programs. Visit here to read the latest oversight committee reports.

How much does Measure A cost?

Measure A renews the expiring $49 per parcel per year tax for 9 years with a $79 increase and

annual adjustments to help ensure that local schools can continue to attract and retain high-

quality teachers. This comes out to less than a dollar per day to keep Los Gatos and Saratoga

High Schools strong. Senior citizens are eligible for an exemption from the cost.

Has this source of funding ever been increased?

No. The current $49 parcel tax — which is set to expire — hasn’t increased in over 13 years and

is the lowest of all Silicon Valley districts that rely on parcel tax funding. Even with Measure A’s

modest $79 increase, we’ll still rank near the bottom. By renewing this critical source of

funding, we can keep our schools and community strong without overburdening local

taxpayers.

How does LGSUHSD’s parcel tax rate compare to those in nearby districts?

Of the nearly 30 school districts in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties with a local parcel tax,

LGSUHSD ranks dead last.

What would happen if this source of funding expired?

If Measure A funding expires, the District will lose the funding it provides. This will mean

reductions in schools’ core academic programs, including critical curriculum in science, math,

technology, and engineering. Without competitive salaries to incentivize teachers, our district

will lose high-quality educators, and students will be left without access to the programs and

skills needed for their success in college or future careers.

Are any exemptions available?

Yes! Measure A provides a full exemption from the cost of the measure for senior citizen

homeowners aged 65 and over and those exempt from the expiring measure need not reapply.

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.

Would all Measure A funds benefit local public high schools only?

All funds from Measure A would benefit local public high schools only. No funds can be taken

by the State or used for other purposes.

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

Our outstanding schools are a crucial part of what makes our community special. Exceptional

academics and skilled teachers not only prepare local children for lifelong success, but also

protect the value of our homes here in Los Gatos and Saratoga. Good schools support

neighborhood quality of life and protect local home values.

How long will Measure A be in place?

Measure A will last for 9 years and could not be extended further without voter approval.

How many votes does Measure A need to pass?

In order to pass, Measure A must be supported by two-thirds of those who cast a vote on the

measure. It is critical we all take the time to vote Yes in this election to protect quality teachers

and top-notch academics in Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools.

Who can vote on Measure A?

All registered voters living within the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District boundaries

can vote on Measure A.

When can I vote Yes on Measure A?

Measure A will be on the May 7, 2024 ballot. All registered voters in the Los Gatos-Saratoga

Union High School District will receive a ballot in the mail in early April. You may cast your ballot

by mail or place it in a drop box. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote Yes on A, follow

the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope and place it in the mail or deliver your

ballot right away.

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 Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters at (866) 430-8683 or visit www.sccvote.org.

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

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