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:
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Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and school staff
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Maintain core academic programs and high-quality science, math, technology, robotics, engineering, and AP courses
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Provide programs that prepare students for college and future careers
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Support high student achievement
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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:
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All funds will be controlled locally and cannot be taken away by the State
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No Measure A funds can be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions
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Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits will ensure Measure A
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funds are spent as promised
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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!