How are our local Cotati-Rohnert Park Schools doing?
What challenges face our local schools?
How exactly could a renewal measure help support our local schools?
If approved by local voters, a potential parcel tax renewal measure could continue to be used to:
- Improve quality core academic programs including science, technology, engineering and math instruction
- Attract and retain qualified teachers
- Maintain reduced class sizes
- Provide career and job training
- Protect art and music instruction
What fiscal accountability provisions will be included in a potential renewal measure?
The local school funding renewal measure would continue existing fiscal accountability requirements, including:
- All funds raised by the measure must only go to local CRPUSD schools and cannot be taken away by Sacramento
- An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and mandatory annual audits would continue to ensure funds are spent as promised
- None of the money raised could be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions
- Senior citizens and people with disabilities on SSI would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost
How much would a potential renewal measure cost?
While no final decision has been made, CRPUSD School Board is currently considering renewing, without increasing taxes, the District’s parcel tax at its current rate of $89 per parcel.
Would a potential renewal measure increase taxes?
No. The potential renew measure being considered by CRPUSD's School Board would not increase taxes. Instead, it would renew parcel tax funding at its current rate.
Does the State provide funding to help support our schools?
While most CRPUSD funding comes from the State, nationally California ranks 46 th out of all 50 states in education funding. One-time Covid funding has helped get the District through the year, but these funds are expiring, which will require cuts.
Didn’t we just pass a measure to fund our schools?
In November 2016, local voters supported our local schools with the passage of bond Measure C. Bond measures provide dedicated one-time funding for updating our classrooms and labs for teachers and students. On the other hand, parcel tax revenues allow Districts to invest in ongoing expenditures like teachers and academic programs, which cannot be funded by bond money.
Would senior citizen homeowners be exempt from the cost?
Yes. Senior citizen homeowners would continue to be eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure.
Would all funds benefit Cotati-Rohnert Park schools only?
All funds from a potential measure would benefit local schools here in our community 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 the measure and share my thoughts?
We want to hear from you! If you have any questions or input that you would like to share, please contact Chief Business Official, John Bartolome at john_bartolome@crpusd.org.