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On the November election ballot, residents of East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park will decide whether to approve a measure that is aimed at supporting expanded preschool, early childhood education, and child care; reading, writing and math instruction for elementary and middle school students; and teacher recruitment and retention. The measure is asking for voters’ approval to increase an existing parcel tax from $223.90 per parcel to $434 for another eight years.
The Ravenswood City School District governing board placed Measure S on the ballot to fund the expansion of affordable preschool and early childhood education, living wages for educators, instruction for elementary and middle school students, helping maintain small class sizes, building facilities for early education programs and helping low-income families afford child care, according to the ballot measure.
If passed, the measure would raise an estimated revenue of $2.7 million annually starting on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2034. The total amount is subject to adjustments for inflation, but will be roughly $21.6 million.
The measure is an extension of Measure Q, which expires in June 2026, which is aimed at improving local elementary and middle school students’ learning and achievement in reading, writing, math and other educational programs; investing in classroom computers and technology; increasing safety; maintaining reduced class sizes, and attracting and retaining staff.
“School being better supported uplifts the entire community,” said Karen Pace, director of Ravenswood Early Childhood Collaborative. “It uplifts homeowners and home values and makes the community a great place to live.”
The Ravenswood Early Childhood Collaborative is a partnership between early child care providers and schools that works on supporting each other in expanding high quality early education and care. The measure is endorsed by the San Mateo County Democratic Party, the Ravenswood Teachers Association, East Palo Alto City Council members and more, according to the campaign website.
The campaign believes that early childhood education is a basic need for families.
“There was widespread commentary about families being unable to find high quality early childhood education and care for their children, about not finding affordable options and that it was preventing them from being able to go back to work,” said Pace.
If the measure fails to pass, the implementation of the initiatives will be delayed, further impacting local families, she said.
The Ravenswood school district has been investing in the transitional kindergarten through eighth grade school system and “understands an effective way to help children succeed in the system is for them to come to TK (transitional kindergarten) and kindergarten ready to learn,” Pace explained.
She adds that not only does the support help children academically but also in their lives, economic and long-term health outcomes.
There are currently no arguments filed against Measure S.
The campaign committee will be placing door hangers, lawn signs and banners on Measure S throughout the community. The committee will be canvassing on Oct. 12 and 26.
For more information on Measure S and how to get involved visit yesonravenswood.org.
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