Measure H Parcel Tax

Measure H - A Local Investment in Our Schools

In March, the Lafayette School District Governing Board voted to place a local parcel tax measure (Measure H) on the June ballot. The express purpose of Measure H is to provide funding for: 

What Makes Lafayette's Schools Exceptional

Our local schools are widely recognized for strong academic outcomes, enrichment programs, and a well-rounded student experience. Between four elementary schools and Stanley Middle School, Lafayette students benefit from:

Why Local Funding Matters

California's overall investment in public education has historically ranked below the national average and fluctuates with the state economy. The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) directs additional state funding to districts serving higher proportions of students with greater needs - an approach that supports equity statewide, but also means that districts like Lafayette receive significantly less funding per student than many other Bay Area districts. 

The Governing Board's resolution approving Measure H states in part:

"The State of California does not provide adequate funding to maintain the District's successful programs, and funding from the State and other sources is unpredictable and not consistently aligned with local priorities."

"Locally generated funding is critical to protect the District's schools and maintain the quality of education and programs relied on and expected by the community."

Such local funding includes parcel taxes and contributions from Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE).

Responsible Planning for the Future

The Governing Board's action reflects the District's effort to plan responsibly for the future while maintaining transparency with the community. Over the past three years, the District has taken meaningful steps to reduce expenses and realign resources.

At the same time, Lafayette continues to face rising costs, including employee salaries and benefits, required services, and operational expenses that are largely fixed or mandated. These factors reflect an ongoing structural funding challenge in which available revenues do not keep pace with the District's expenses.

Learn More

Staying informed is an important part of supporting the continued success of Lafayette's schools. We invite you to explore our website for more information about our District and schools, and review the Frequently Asked Questions below.

If you have any questions about the Lafayette School District, please contact [email protected]. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions about the proposed Measure H Parcel Tax:

• What is Measure H and why is it on the ballot?
  Measure H is a local parcel tax measure placed on the June 2026 ballot by the Lafayette School District Governing Board. The Board voted to place the measure before voters, citing the unpredictability of state funding and the District's reliance on locally generated revenue to fund its programs. Voters will decide whether to approve the measure.

• What would the money from Measure H be used for?
  If approved by voters, funds from Measure H would be designated for core academic programs including math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music, and arts; attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers; and maintaining manageable class sizes. By law, parcel tax funds may only be used for the specific purposes stated in the measure and are subject to independent oversight.

• Has the District made efforts to manage its existing resources?
  Over the past three years, Lafayette School District has reduced expenses and realigned resources, resulting in more than $5 million in savings. The District continues to face rising costs - including employee salaries, benefits, and mandated operational expenses - which, combined with inadequate state funding, contribute to a structural gap between available revenues and expenditures.

• Who pays the parcel tax and are there any exemptions?
  Parcel taxes are assessed on parcels of real property within the District's boundaries. Property owners are assessed directly; renters are not. Homeowners aged 65 and older are eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure.

• What would happen if Measure H does not pass?
  If Measure H is not approved by voters, the District would need to evaluate how to address the gap between its revenues and expenditures without the additional local funding the measure would provide, inevitably resulting in impacts to programs and staffing. 

• What protections are in place for taxpayers if Measure H is approved?
  If approved, Measure H would require the District to establish an independent citizens' oversight committee to review expenditures and ensure funds are used only for the stated purposes. The District would also be required to conduct an annual independent audit of parcel tax funds and report the results publicly. Parcel tax revenues must be maintained in a separate account and may not be used for any purpose other than those specified in the measure. Seniors aged 65 and over would be eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure. Finally, the measure could not be renewed without voter approval.