One of SUSD’s commitments is to maintain accountability and transparency with all expenditures of Measure A dollars. A key component of that commitment is maintaining an independent Oversight Committee that is to annually review the District’s compliance with the terms of Measure A. The committee is designed to include parents/guardians as well as Saratoga community members.

Community members who reside within SUSD boundaries and wish to apply, can apply during the Fall. The 2021-2022 committee has already formed and was approved by the SUSD Board of Trustees on November 18, 2021. 

Overview of the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee

On May 7, 2019, the voters approved Measure A, a renewal of Measure B which was passed on May 8, 2012 – a parcel tax measure in the amount of $68/parcel to create revenue to:

• Protect outstanding core academic programs in reading, writing, math and science
• Retain highly qualified teachers
• Support hands-on science classes for all grades
• Help protect the number of instructional days in the school year
• Provide books and instructional materials, including classroom technology

Measure A ballot language also specifically provided for “strict accountability measures, including independent citizen oversight.” The Parcel Tax Oversight Committee will provide that oversight and shall be comprised of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) members who shall serve up to two (2) terms of two (2) years each.

Duties of the Committee

Duties of the Committee will include:

• Meet at least twice per year, following Brown Act procedures
• Ensure parcel tax (Measure A) revenue is spent only on appropriate, permissible projects and that no funds are used for prohibited expenses
• Receive and review expenditure reports produced by the District to ensure that parcel tax revenue was expended in accordance with the purposes set forth in Measure A
• Provide an annual report to the SUSD Board of Trustees

The students and staff of the school district are profoundly grateful for the support from our community!

On May 8, 2012, voters approved the Measure B Parcel Tax assessment of $68 per parcel per year.  On May 7, 2019, voters approved Measure A to renew the parcel tax for 8 more years with over 72% of the vote! The tax is assessed against each parcel of taxable land in the school district. A parcel is defined as any parcel of land which lies wholly or partially within the boundaries of Saratoga Union School District, and receives a separate tax bill for property taxes from the Santa Clara County Assessor/Tax  Collector's Office.

The Parcel Tax proceeds help ensure reliable funding that cannot be taken away from the state.  Parcel tax funds:

• Protect outstanding core academic programs in reading, writing, math and science
• Retain highly qualified teachers
• Support hands-on science classes for all grades
• Help protect the number of instructional days in the school year
• Provide books and instructional materials, including classroom technology

No proceeds are used for administrative salaries and benefits. Optional exemption forms are available for senior citizens and recipients of SSI for a disability. You may download the forms from this webpage. 

Questions? Please contact the SUSD Business Office at (408) 867-3424, extension 508.