Measure W - 2026
November 2026 School Parcel Tax Measure
ACALANES UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT (AUHSD), serves 9th–12th grade students and community members in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek. Our four comprehensive high schools—Acalanes, Campolindo, Las Lomas, and Miramonte—are among the best in California and rank in the top 4% of all high schools nationwide for the strength of their Advanced Placement programs, while our Acalanes Center for Independent Study provides an exceptional alternative education program.
HOWEVER, YEARS OF INADEQUATE STATE FUNDING ARE NOW IMPACTING THE LOCAL QUALITY OF EDUCATION. Funding for our local public high schools is among the lowest in the state, requiring AUHSD to rely on local funding measures and education foundations to help fill the gap. Meanwhile, local parcel tax funding has not increased in 16 years. We have tightened our belts, absorbing over $4 million in budget cuts over the past two years that have impacted student electives, library and counseling services, and enrichment programs. Without a new and sustainable source of additional funding, further reductions and budget cuts are likely. Measure W is on the ballot to address this reality.
MEASURE W DEFINED: Measure W is a parcel tax measure on the November 3rd 2026 ballot seeking voter authorization for locally-controlled funding to protect the quality of AUHSD’s high performing local high schools. Measure W requires two-thirds, or 66.67%, voter approval to pass. A “YES vote” is a vote in favor of AUHSD’s funding proposal to levy a parcel tax of $168 for eight years in order address its instructional needs; a “NO vote” is a vote to reject the proposal. All registered voters residing within AUHSD boundaries are eligible to vote on this measure.
MEASURE W BALLOT QUESTION: “Shall the measure supporting high-quality education in local high schools by: attracting/retaining highly qualified teachers; continuing advanced academic programs in science, technology, engineering, math, and arts that prepare students for success in college and careers; maintaining manageable class sizes with Acalanes Union High School District levying a $168 parcel tax for eight years, with senior exemptions, citizens’ oversight and independent audits, providing $6,000,000 annually in local school funding that cannot be taken by the State, be adopted?”
IDENTIFIED HIGHEST PRIORITY AUHSD INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS: Attracting/retaining highly qualified teachers; prepare students for college and in-demand careers; maintain manageable class sizes; maintain advanced academic programs, including math, science, engineering and the arts; provide library services, academic counseling, and career training; provide career and technical education for in-demand fields including biotech, medical and health sciences, auto mechanics, fabrication, and other skilled trades; keep technology up to date to provide for modern student learning; and provide instructional equipment, materials and supplies to support AUHSD’s programs..
MEASURE W REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING TAXPAYER PROTECTIONS: All funds raised would go to AUHSD teaching, learning, and classroom instruction. By law, Measure W funds cannot be taken by the State. A Citizens' Oversight Committee is required to ensure funds are spent properly. If Measure W is approved, senior citizen homeowners age 65 years or older would continue to be eligible for an exemption on their primary residence through a simple application process. Persons receiving Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance, regardless of age, would also be eligible for an exemption.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit www.acalanes.k12.ca.us or contact Superintendent John Nickerson at (925) 280-3902 or superintendent@auhsdschools.org.