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Polling shows strong community support for renewing Measure G parcel tax, consultant says
Summary
A True North poll found 84% initial support for a Measure G renewal and retained a comfortable margin above Californias 66.7% passage threshold even after testing opposition messaging; the board directed staff to bring a resolution on Jan. 7 to place the measure on a 2026 ballot.
A consultant told the Piedmont Unified School Board that a recent feasibility poll shows unusually high voter support for renewing Measure G, the districts parcel tax that now provides roughly 20% of the districts annual revenue.
"At the initial ballot test, we had 84% of respondents say that they would support this proposal," consultant Tim McClarny said, citing results from 342 likely-voter interviews with a margin of error of about ±5%. McClarny said support rose to 88% after hearing program details and held at about 83% after opposition arguments were presented — roughly 16–21 points above the 66.7% threshold required for passage in California.
McClarny described the studys methodology (stratified, clustered random sampling of likely November voters, plus phone, text and email recruiting) and reviewed which program priorities resonated most with respondents: attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers, advanced reading/writing programs, STEM and manageable class sizes. He emphasized that the poll is a snapshot, not a guarantee, and urged the district to maintain disciplined messaging and an independent, privately funded campaign to shepherd the measure through an election cycle.
Board members signaled support for returning a formal resolution. Trustee Rishi moved that the board bring back a January 7 resolution authorizing placement of the Measure G renewal on a June 2026 ballot that would keep the base rate structure, include annual inflation adjustments (approximately 3%) and language to "evergreen" the measure; trustees agreed and said the resolution will return for action at the next meeting.
The board also heard community partners will be asked to lead a parallel outreach effort. McClarny warned the board against increasing the tax rate or becoming complacent because political and economic events between now and Election Day could create unanticipated headwinds.
