• Maintaining Academic Excellence and Keeping Great Teachers in Local High Schools

    Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) is among the highest-performing districts in California. Our District, which includes Acalanes High School, Las Lomas High School, Campolindo High School, Miramonte High School, and the Acalanes Center for Independent Study, proudly upholds a tradition of academic excellence, protecting the quality of life and property values in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Moraga, and Orinda.

     

    Local High Schools Among the Lowest Funded in California

    The State of California only funds the basics in schools and often falls far short of what the District’s community expects for its high schools. In fact, local high schools receive among the lowest levels of state funding in all of California.

     

     Local Funding Sources Have Stagnated
    Locally controlled parcel tax funding plays an important role in recruiting high-quality teachers, maintaining small classroom sizes, and providing a broad assortment of AP classes. The funding that sustains these programs has not increased in 15 years, yet the cost of providing these programs has increased consistently over the years. As a result, each of the District’s high schools is facing potential cuts to key academic programs.

     

    The AUHSD Governing Board recently voted unanimously to place a $130 parcel tax measure on the May 6, 2025, special election ballot. If approved by voters, this measure would provide $4.5 million annually in locally controlled funding for each high school, helping them to:

    • Continue advanced academic programs including math, science, engineering, and the arts
    • Attract and retain highly qualified teachers
    • Prepare students for college and in-demand careers
    • Maintain manageable class sizes
    • Provide library services, academic counseling, and career training
    • Keep technology up-to-date
    • Provide instructional equipment, materials, and supplies to support the District’s academic programs

     

    Mandatory Fiscal Accountability and Local Control

    If approved by voters, the potential measure would be subject to fiscal oversight as mandated by law:

    • All money would stay local for use in our five local high schools only — no funds could be taken by the State
    • Senior citizens and those with certain disabilities could apply for an exemption
    • Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits would be required

     

    Learn More!

    As AUHSD plans for the future, the District welcomes input from both AUHSD families and community members. If you have any questions about the potential measure, contact supperintendent@auhsdschools.org.

     

    Additional Parcel Tax Election Resources 

    Measure Resolution 

    FAQ

    Fact Sheet 

    Parcel Tax Citizens' Oversight Committee