Measure R: Parcel Tax
Orchard Elementary School District · Santa Clara County · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
To enhance and create quality educational opportunities, attract and retain teachers and staff, support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education and visual and performing arts, shall the Orchard School District measure levying a parcel tax at the rate of 4 cents per building square foot (not-to-exceed $7,500 non-residential and $89 residential per parcel), raising $1.4 million annually for eight years beginning July 1, 2027, with senior exemptions and all expenditures audited be adopted?
In plain language
Measure R is a school tax for Orchard School District. It would pay for better classes, help attract and keep teachers and staff, and support science, technology, engineering, arts, and math programs. A YES vote lets the district charge a tax of 4 cents per square foot of a building, capped at $7,500 for businesses and $89 for homes, starting July 1, 2027, for 8 years. Seniors can be exempt, and the district must audit how the money is spent. A NO vote means the district does not get this new money.
Fiscal impact
The tax is 4 cents per building square foot, capped at $7,500 per non-residential parcel and $89 per residential parcel, for 8 years starting July 1, 2027. It would raise about $1.4 million each year.
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.