skip to main content

Moraga School District

Clever Portal
Camino Pablo Elementary Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Los Perales Elementary Donald Rheem School Moraga School District
or Browse All Schools
QUICK LINKS
https://www.moraga.k12.ca.us/About-Us/District/Parcel-Tax-FAQs/

Parcel Tax FAQs

Who does the Moraga School District serve?

Who does the Moraga School District serve?

The Moraga School District (MSD) serves over 1,800 students in the Moraga community. The district provides education for local elementary and middle schools, including:
  • Camino Pablo Elementary
  • Donald L. Rheem Elementary School 
  • Los Perales Elementary School 
  • Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School
How do Moraga schools impact the community?

How do Moraga schools impact the community?

The Moraga School District (MSD) is known for its highly qualified teachers and award-winning academic programs that prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond. Local schools are a primary reason many neighbors choose to move to Moraga, adding to the character of the community and impacting local property values.
What financial challenges are we currently facing?

What financial challenges are we currently facing?

Despite its academic success, MSD is one of the lowest-funded school districts in the Bay Area and receives some of the lowest levels of state funding in all of California. Because state and federal funding is unreliable, local teacher compensation lags behind neighboring districts, and per-pupil funding remains near the bottom of the list.
How does the high cost of living impact MSD schools?

How does the high cost of living impact MSD schools?

Having a great teacher in the classroom is extremely important in providing a quality education. Many local teachers are currently struggling with the high cost of living. Without this measure, the district risks losing great teachers to higher-paying districts.
What specific layoffs could be on the horizon?

What specific layoffs could be on the horizon?

The cost of providing a quality education has increased while school funding has declined. Without this measure, the district faces severe impacts:
  • Instructional Assistants: Up to 100% of classroom instructional assistant positions could be eliminated, removing vital support for students.
  • Counseling Staff: 50% of student counseling positions are at risk, significantly reducing the district’s capacity to support student academic guidance.
  • Teachers: Teacher layoffs are not planned for the coming school year, but could be on the horizon if an additional funding source is not identified.
What happens if the District cannot find a new funding source and how do they plan to address it?

What happens if the District cannot find a new funding source and how do they plan to address it?

Due to these funding gaps, the District has already planned cuts and layoffs by the end of the current school year unless an additional source of locally controlled funding can be identified. To offset looming cuts and layoffs, the MSD Board of Education is considering placing a parcel tax measure on the June 2, 2026, ballot.
How much would the measure cost and what would it generate?

How much would the measure cost and what would it generate?

The proposed measure is for $295 annually. It is estimated to generate $1,712,000 per year in locally controlled funding to support MSD schools.
 
How would the funds be used?

How would the funds be used?

The measure is designed to accomplish three key goals:
  • Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers, counselors and educators
  • Continuing funding for effective science, technology, engineering, arts, music, math and reading programs
  • Maintaining manageable class sizes
What protections would be in place for taxpayers?

What protections would be in place for taxpayers?

The measure includes strict fiscal accountability requirements to ensure funds are spent as promised:
  • Local Control of Funds: All money raised would be controlled locally, could only be used in local elementary and intermediate schools, and could not be taken away by State
  • Mandatory Independent Oversight: Annual financial audits and an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee would be required
  • Senior Exemption Available: Homeowners aged 65 and older would be eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure
  • Cannot Be Renewed without Voter Approval: The measure would include a 7-year sunset
Are there exemptions for senior citizens?

Are there exemptions for senior citizens?

Yes. Homeowners aged 65 and older are eligible for an exemption from the cost of the measure for their primary residence.
 
Can’t we rely on state or federal funding?

Can’t we rely on state or federal funding?

No. State and federal funding do not provide enough to maintain the quality of education the
MSD community expects. Because MSD receives some of the lowest levels of state funding in all of California, local funding is a necessity to fill the gap.
 
Additionally, the district faces unfunded federal and state mandates, with costs that have more than doubled in the past five years. These costs take funding away from classroom and academic programs, furthering the need for this measure.
What about Measure D from 2024? Can’t that funding support this?

What about Measure D from 2024? Can’t that funding support this?

There is a difference between the previous Bond, and the proposed Parcel Tax:
  • Measure D (Bond): Passed in 2024, these funds are legally restricted to be used only for school facility upgrades and improvements, such as repairing aging buildings and infrastructure. They cannot be used for operating costs, salaries, or academic programs.
  • Proposed Parcel Tax: This funding is for "people and programs." This is the only way to provide local funding to maintain instructional assistants and counselors, fund teacher salaries, and recruit new educators to prevent critical layoffs.
I don't have children in the schools. How does this benefit me?

I don't have children in the schools. How does this benefit me?

Even for residents without children in school, the quality of local schools is a major driver of property values. By preventing deep cuts and maintaining the high academic standards Moraga is known for, this measure impacts the investment you have made in your home.
Where can I get more information, ask questions, or provide feedback?

Where can I get more information, ask questions, or provide feedback?

For the latest information, updates, and upcoming public meetings, please contact Dr. Julie Parks at jparks@moraga.k12.ca.us. with any questions you may have or visit https://tinyurl.com/ProtectMSDFunding for additional information.
...
...
...
...