Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation

What is Measure A?

Measure A is not a new tax. It is a renewal of a low-cost, flat parcel tax that generates funding for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). Measure A is necessary because of the drastic reduction in funds received from the State of California. Measure A funding is earmarked for specific educational programs, staff, projects, and equipment.

You might remember it as Measure S, first approved in 1989 and renewed in 1993, in 1997, 2001 and again in 2005, when it was renamed Measure A.

Who benefits from Measure A?

Measure A funds will directly benefit public school students, grades K through 12, who reside within the TTUSD boundaries. A community that provides safe, well-staffed, up-to-date, and competitive schools not only offers its children a chance to thrive but ensures its own prosperity.

Why do we need Measure A?

The California State Budget does not provide adequate funding for a comprehensive educational program. This is true now more than ever given the current fiscal condition of state government. As a consequence, our schools must rely on Measure A funding to provide a well-rounded education for our children. Specifically, without funding provided by Measure A, all of our schools would experience a severe reduction in classroom supplies. Technology programs would be eliminated at most schools, and there would be a dramatic decline in funding for the maintenance and replacement of computer equipment. In addition, many of our schools would suffer major cutbacks in science, physical education, music, art, academic, and vocational programs, as well as cutbacks in the equipment and supplies necessary to run these programs. Funding for library books and other resource materials would also be severely curtailed and numerous staff positions would be eliminated.

What exactly will Measure A fund?

Measure A will continue to fund the programs, staff, and equipment that have been in place since the passage of Measure S in 1989. Specifically, Measure A will fund:

• Classroom Supplies and Equipment. Additional instructional supplies, equipment, and programs needed to bring each school site in line with state curriculum standards.
• Academic Programs. Additional college preparatory courses, academic electives, and necessary equipment.
• Technology Labs & Curricula. Technology labs, qualified teaching staff, curricula, and computer maintenance and replacement at each school.
• Smaller Class Sizes. Class size reductions in 4th through 8th grades.
• Music. Elementary and middle school music programs, supplies, equipment, and maintenance. Supplemental support for high school music programs.
• Physical Education. Physical education programs for elementary schools. Equipment and supplies at all school sites.
• Libraries. Books, resource materials, and librarians at our high schools.
• Vocational Education. Increased vocational programs, equipment, and supplies at the high school level.
• Counseling & Nursing. Counselors and special service staff as needed at school sites. One full-time nurse. Additional health and safety services and equipment.
• Maintenance and Safety. Funding to help maintain school playgrounds and fields. Matching funds to replace school buses.

How much will Measure A raise?

Measure A will raise approximately $3.2 million annually for our school district.

How much does Measure A cost?

Each parcel within the school district will be taxed $98 a year for seven years, representing an $18 increase over the previous flat tax. This tax will become effective on July 1, 2005 and will expire on June 20, 2012.

Is anyone exempt from Measure A?

Yes. Residents 65 years of age and older may apply for an exemption. Call the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District at 530-582- 2500, extension ‘0’, to request an exemption form.

How will we know Measure A funds are spent on the educational priorities outlined in the ballot?

All Measure A funds are controlled locally. The state has no control over funds generated through Measure A. The volunteer Citizens’ Review Committee, made up of parents, business people and educators representing the various school sites, ensures that Measure A funds are spent as stipulated in the ballot language to best fit the students’ needs. The Citizens’ Review Committee oversight meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month and are open to the public.