Petaluma secondary schools are asking voters to approve a new funding measure this November.
The Petaluma Argus-Courier reports the ballot initiative, Measure I, proposes a $129-per-year parcel tax for eight years to raise an extra $3 million annually for middle and high schools. District leaders say the money is essential to cover a $5 million budget gap and, most importantly, to increase teacher salaries.
Superintendent Matthew Harris warned that the district has lost nearly 40% of its teaching staff in the last three years to better-paying districts. Without Measure I, they face “massive budget cuts.”
The tax requires a two-thirds approval to pass. If approved, the funds would be restricted to classroom uses, such as retaining excellent teachers and maintaining academic programs.
