Vote YES on Z to keep great teachers in Orinda classrooms and protect quality education for Orinda students.
Student achievement in Orinda schools ranks in the top 1% in California. Out of over 1,000 school districts in California, Orinda Union School District consistently ranks in the bottom ten in per student funding.
Orinda teachers are among the lowest paid in our area and Orinda increasingly loses qualified and experienced teachers to San Ramon and other school districts that offer more competitive compensation. Many Orinda teachers take on second or even third jobs and commute from faraway because they cannot afford to live nearby.
Having a great teacher in the classroom is the most important element of providing quality education. Voting YES on Z provides locally controlled funding directly to Orinda’s elementary schools and intermediate school to make Orinda schools less dependent on Sacramento for funding.
YES on Z will:
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Attract and retain qualified and experienced teachers
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Support quality academic programs in science, technology, engineering, reading, writing, arts and music
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Keep class sizes small
Strict Fiscal Accountability is Required
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All funds must stay local and cannot be taken away by the State
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An independent citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits ensure funds are spent as promised
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By law, no funds can be used for administrator salaries
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Measure Z automatically expires in seven years and cannot be renewed without voter approval
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Senior citizens are eligible for an exemption
Voters in Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Piedmont have passed similar measures supporting their schools. YES on Z ensures Orinda students keep pace and are prepared to compete in high school, college and the workforce.
Whether or not you have school- age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment that protects our quality of life and property values.