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Measure L Frequently Asked Questions
Voting YES on L provides locally controlled funding directly to Walnut Creek’s schools to stay financially secure and avoid deep budget cuts to teachers and academic programs. Measure L will make our schools less dependent on state and federal funding, protect quality education for local students, and keep great teachers in Walnut Creek classrooms.
Like many school districts in the Bay Area, WCSD must compete for qualified, experienced teachers in a region with a high cost of living, which requires offering competitive salaries. With state and federal education funding declining, WCSD increasingly relies on local support to retain exceptional teachers and keep class sizes small — the foundation of our high-quality academic programs. However, while the cost of education has doubled over the past 17 years, revenue from WCSD’s voter-approved parcel tax has not increased since 2009. Measure L enhances stable and reliable locally controlled funding to support quality academic programs for students and attract and retain great teachers.
If approved, Measure L will provide stable, locally controlled funding to:
Maintain high-quality academic programs in math, science, engineering, technology, reading, and writing
Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff
Maintain manageable class sizes
Provide advanced programs to prepare students for college and careers
Measure L requires mandatory fiscal accountability protections, including:
By law, funds may only be used for the purposes listed in the measure and cannot be redirected
An independent oversight committee, annual audits, and public spending disclosure are required
Measure L is a $98 per year parcel tax. Homeowners age 65 and over are eligible for a full exemption from the cost.
WCSD’s current parcel tax is just $82 per year, which is less than 20% of what Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette school districts receive. Even with Measure L, WCSD’s parcel tax rate will be lower than neighboring school districts. If we want our students to have the same opportunities as others in the area, we need Measure L.
WCSD receives roughly $12,000 per student per year, which is well BELOW the $16,000 per student average in Contra Costa County. WCSD receives thousands less per student that most local school districts. Measure L simply brings our funding closer to the average.
Senior homeowners age 65 and older and low-income people with disabilities would be eligible to apply for an exemption from the parcel tax. Seniors who are already exempt from the current parcel tax would not have to reapply. Exemptions are offered to help ensure the cost of the measure is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes.
Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes.
WCSD’s current spending is carefully accounted for, audited annually, and disclosed in publicly adopted budgets and audits. These reports consistently show funds are spent properly and as promised. State and federal funding for schools is unstable and insufficient. Local funding from Measure L can be counted on and will make our schools less reliant on state and federal funding.
Parcel taxes are a form of property tax that are paid by the property owner. Thus, renters do not directly pay property taxes but the cost is factored into rents charged by landlords. Rents tend to be driven by market conditions rather than a straight passthrough of costs.
Yes. By law, all funds would remain local. Every dollar would be controlled locally by WCSD and benefit WCSD students.
Walnut Creek School District provides a high-quality education for local children in pre-kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade at seven local schools - Buena Vista, Indian Valley, Murwood, Parkmead, Tice Creek, Walnut Creek Intermediate, and Walnut Heights. WCSD has established a long tradition of providing students with a strong academic foundation that prepares them for success in high school, college, and the workforce. All of these local schools will benefit from Measure L funding.
No. Measure L only provides funding for local elementary and intermediate schools in WCSD. Local high schools like Las Lomas High School are part of the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) and are funded separately.
In May 2025, Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) attempted a parcel tax measure to enhance funding for local high schools, including Las Lomas High School. This measure was not approved by voters. WCSD has not placed a parcel tax measure on the ballot since 2009.
In 2022, local voters approved a bond measure to repair and upgrade aging classrooms, labs and school facilities in WCSD. However, these funds are legally restricted for school facility repairs and upgrades only. These funds cannot be used for teaching and instruction. Measure L funds are for teachers and programs and cannot be used for facility improvements.
To pass, the measure requires a two-thirds (66.7%) supermajority vote for approval.
Measure L will appear on the June 2, 2026 statewide Primary Election ballot. Voters will receive ballots in the mail in early May and must be returned or postmarked by Election Day. You can vote by mail, drop your ballot in a drop box, or vote in person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on L and return it right away.
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