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Parcel Tax Renewal

Parcel Tax Renewal Factsheet

Proectecting High-Quality Education in Martinez Schools

 

Thanks to highly qualified teachers and challenging academic programs, Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) provides a well-rounded education to nearly 4,000 students across 7 school sites. Our MUSD schools help keep our community and property values strong.

 

Maintaining Our Commitment to Education

The State of California only provides enough money for a basic education. For nearly 15 years, Martinez students have relied upon locally controlled parcel tax funding to protect and improve the quality of our schools. This funding helps Martinez retain quality teachers and counselors, protect art and music programs, and support academic programs in science, technology, and engineering that enable students to compete for the best colleges and careers. However, this funding is set to expire. If this locally controlled funding expires, our schools will lose $850,000 per year, which may trigger cuts to teachers, staff, and programs.

 

Measure C: Renewing Funding for Martinez Schools - Without Increasing Taxes

To ensure MUSD schools can continue to provide a quality education to all students, the School Board has placed Measure C on the March 5, 2024, ballot. Measure C would renew, without increasing taxes, the District’s $75 parcel tax for 8 years.

 

If approved by voters, funding from Measure C could continue to be used to: 

MUSD Parce Tax Graphic

 

Measure C Requires Continued Fiscal Accountability and Local Control

  • All funds would be controlled locally for Martinez schools only and could not be taken away by the State.
  • Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits would be required.
  • Senior citizen homeowners would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost.

 

Parcel Tax Learn more

 

 

Measure C - Parcel Tax Renewal FAQs

How are Martinez Unified School District schools doing?

Thanks to highly qualified teachers and challenging academic programs, Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) provides a well-rounded education to nearly 4,000 students across 7 school sites. Our MUSD schools help keep our community and property values strong. 

 

How are MUSD’s schools funded?

The State of California only provides enough money for a basic education. For nearly 15 years, Martinez students have relied upon locally controlled parcel tax funding to protect and improve the quality of our schools.

 

How has local funding supported our schools?

Local funding helps Martinez retain quality teachers and counselors, protect art and music programs, and support academic programs in science, technology, and engineering that enable students to compete for the best colleges and careers. However, this funding is set to expire unless renewed by voters.

 

What happens if local school funding expires?

If locally controlled funding expires, our schools will lose $850,000 per year. This loss of funds may trigger cuts to teachers, staff, and programs.

 

How exactly would Measure C support Martinez schools and students?

If approved by voters, Measure C could continue to be used to:

  • Provide high-quality programs in science, technology, engineering, and math
  • Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and counselors
  • Provide hands-on science labs and instruction
  • Provide high-quality programs in music, visual, and performing arts
  • Keep school libraries open

 

What fiscal accountability provisions will be included in Measure C?

Measure C includes strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:

  • All funds would be controlled locally for Martinez schools only and could not be taken away by the State
  • Independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits would be required
  • Senior citizen homeowners would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost

 

 

How much would Measure C cost?

Measure C would renew the District’s parcel tax at its current rate of $75 per parcel per year, for 8 years—without increasing taxes.

 

Would Measure C increase taxes?

No. Measure C would not increase taxes. Instead, it would renew parcel tax funding at its current rate.

 

Has MUSD been a good steward of past voter-approved funding?

Yes. The Martinez Unified School District Citizens’ Oversight Committee has reviewed every penny of past parcel tax funding and consistently found that MUSD has spent all funds on voter-approved projects and programs. You can learn more by visiting www.MartinezUSD.net/ParcelTaxInfo. If you would like to apply to be a part of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee yourself, please fill out the following application form: tinyurl.com/MUSD-PTCOC.

 

Would senior citizen homeowners be exempt from the cost of Measure C?

Yes. Senior citizen homeowners would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure. To apply for an exemption, please fill out the form located at tinyurl.com/MUSDPTExemption and mail or deliver it to the MUSD office at 921 Susana St.

 

Would all Measure C funds benefit Martinez schools only?

All funds from Measure C would benefit local schools here in Martinez only. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.

 

I don’t have children attending local schools. How would this potential measure impact me?

Even if you do not have school-age children, quality local schools help keep our community and property values strong.

 

How can I learn more about Measure C and share my thoughts?

If you have questions or input that you would like to share, please contact Andy Cannon at acannon@martinez.k12.ca.us.