Take Our Survey!

March 2024

Dear Parents and Neighbors:

As Superintendent of Moreland School District (MSD), I am proud of the excellent teaching and learning happening in our neighborhood schools each day. Our schools help define and shape the quality of our community. Sadly, given budget challenges that persist at the state level, our district, like many others, must turn to our community to find ways to address this problem locally.

Fortunately, local voters have generously supported MSD by passing Measure G, in 2016 to protect and maintain the local quality of education. Measure G is a parcel tax of $142 per-parcel/year which supports Preschool to 8th grade students by attracting and retaining high-quality teachers, strengthening strong reading along with math and science instruction, maintaining music and art programs, keeping school libraries open, class sizes small and campuses clean and safe. Measure G, approved for 8 years, will expire after the 2024-2025 school year. Measure G cannot be extended without a new vote of Moreland School District voters.

Accordingly, we are exploring an ask of our community to renew Measure G, with a modest $40 increase so that we can protect this critical local funding source and continue to provide the excellent education that supports the whole child in Moreland schools.

As we continue to evaluate the possibility of placing a renewal measure on the ballot, we want to hear from you. Please let us know your thoughts and questions and CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR SURVEY!

Thank you. Your opinions are important to us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Clover Codd

Superintendent

What is this project all about?

Moreland School District (MSD) has been a caring learning environment for students, parents, staff, and community members since 1851. Moreland serves Preschool through 8th grade students across three cities in Santa Clara County. Our teachers educate approximately 4,000 students in four elementary schools, two TK-8 schools and one middle school. Our students are celebrated for their uniqueness and the talents they contribute to our community. Exceptional teachers, small class sizes, challenging instructional programs, dedicated parent volunteers, and outstanding science and art curricula have prepared generations of local children to succeed in high school, college, and careers. Our goal is to continue that proud tradition. However, due to years of State budget cuts and the expiration of our existing community supported parcel tax, the District is assessing our instruction and academic programs to determine whether to renew/ increase our existing parcel tax Measure G.

Why now?

The level of school funding provided by the state of California is one of the lowest in the nation. We rely on local funding to fill in the gap. Fortunately, local voters have generously supported MSD by passing Measure G in 2016 to protect and maintain the local quality of education. Measure G is a parcel tax of $142 per-parcel/year which supports Preschool to 8th grade students by attracting and retaining quality teachers, strengthening strong reading along with math and science instruction, maintaining music and art programs, and keeping school libraries open, class sizes small and campuses clean and safe. Measure G, approved for 8 years, will expire after
the 2024-2025 school year. Measure G cannot be extended without a new vote of Moreland School District voters.

What happens if Measure G is not renewed?

If Measure G is not renewed, the Moreland School District budget will need to be cut by about $1.5 million. This will force all Moreland schools to make drastic cuts to academic programs, increase class sizes, and maintain
only basics. MSD depends on local revenue to supplement limited State funding. Renewing Measure G won’t address all funding needs, but it will help retain exceptional teachers and protect core programs.

How does this potential funding attract and retain high-quality teachers?

We live in one of the most expensive places in the country, but our teachers are among the lowest paid in the area. We need this funding to ensure we’re able to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and keep them from leaving for higher-paying districts.

How do I know the money will be spent properly?

If Measure G is continued by voters, it will continue to REQUIRE strict taxpayer protections. All funds raised stay local to support MSD instructional programs and cannot be taken by the State or spent on administrator salaries. Independent citizen oversight and annual audits ensure the funds are used as promised.

I am a senior citizen. Do I have to pay the tax?

Senior citizen homeowners 65 years or older will continue to be eligible for an exemption through a simple application process. We do not want this measure to become a burden to those living on a fixed income. To find out more about how to apply, please contact Debbi Lyon by phone: (408) 874-2921 or email: [email protected].

How much will the parcel tax measure cost?

NO decisions have been made yet. Moreland School District leaders are seeking YOUR INPUT first, before critical decisions are made. State funding alone is unable to provide MSD with sufficient funds to maintain the district’s high-quality education. Pending voter approval, the cost to local property owners could be $142 a year if a renewal only is sought, OR $182 a year if a renewal with a $40 increase is considered due to the need for increased funds to provide for exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and challenging instructional programs at our local schools.

Where can I find more information?

For more information, visit our website at: www.moreland.org OR contact Clover Codd, Ed.D., Superintendent, by phone: (408) 874-2901 or email: [email protected].

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Attached Files