The Piedmont City Unified School Board meeting on November 13, 2024, highlighted the community's strong support for education, particularly following the recent passage of Measure P. This measure, which received nearly 80% approval from voters, is set to provide crucial financial support to the district, enabling a 4.5% salary increase for staff in the 2024-2025 school year. This increase aims to help Piedmont attract and retain high-quality educators, ensuring that students receive the care and challenges they need to thrive.

During the meeting, board members expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support. They acknowledged the collaborative efforts of parents, students, and local organizations in campaigning for Measure P, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustaining educational excellence despite the district's limited budget. Piedmont's funding challenges stem from its predominantly residential tax base, which results in lower per-student funding compared to other districts in California.

In addition to discussing Measure P, representatives from the Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) provided an update on their ongoing fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $4 million for the schools. So far, they have raised $2.5 million from 772 households, with a goal of reaching 75% parent participation in donations. The PEF highlighted the importance of community support, noting that a significant portion of residents without children in the schools also contributed to the campaign.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to education and the collaborative spirit that drives Piedmont's efforts to provide quality schooling for all students. As the district moves forward, the successful implementation of Measure P and the continued fundraising efforts will be vital in maintaining and enhancing educational programs.