Why Local Funding Matters

Each day, Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) educates more than 17,000 students at 30 schools, comprising 19 elementary schools, five middle schools, four high schools, an adult education center, and a children’s center for preschoolers.

Local Funding to Protect Essential Education and Programs from Cuts

To stabilize school funding and minimize the impact of budget cuts on students, teachers, and school staff, the HUSD Board of Education recently voted to place Measure G, a $98 parcel tax measure, on the June 2, 2026, ballot that would provide approximately $4 million annually for 12 years. If approved by voters, this funding would be used to:

Fiscal Accountability, Local Control, and Public Spending Disclosure

The proposed parcel tax measure includes strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure funds are spent as promised:

• By law, all funds stay local for Hayward schools only and cannot be taken away by the state or federal governments
• An independent oversight committee, annual audits, and public disclosure of all spending is required
• Homeowners age 65 and over and low-income people with disabilities are eligible for an exemption

Funding Deficits Threaten Classroom Instruction and Support for Students

Hayward schools are facing millions in budget cuts due to reduced federal funding from the Department of Education. Funding from the State of California is unstable and only supports a very basic education. Hayward schools have already made deep budget cuts and are facing millions more in potential cuts that could directly impact classroom programs, academics, teachers, and students.

Support for Hayward Students and Families

Budget cuts threaten programs supporting all students, including those with special needs. The severity of the proposed budget cuts threatens HUSD’s ability to keep qualified and experienced teachers and support staff and continue providing programs and services that are proven to improve student proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Hayward Unified School District serve?

Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) serves more than 17,000 students in Hayward and surrounding unincorporated areas. The District includes 30 schools, comprising 19 elementary schools, five middle schools, four high schools, an adult education center, and a preschool children’s center. HUSD provides academic programs in reading, writing, math, science, arts, and career preparation to support student achievement and help prepare students for graduation, college, careers, and beyond.

Is HUSD facing budget cuts?

Hayward schools are facing millions in budget cuts due to reduced federal funding from the Department of Education. Funding from the State of California is unstable and only supports a very basic education. Hayward schools have already made deep budget cuts and are facing millions more in cuts. These will threaten HUSD’s ability to keep qualified and experienced teachers and support staff and continue providing programs and services that are proven to improve student proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing. Potential budget cuts threaten critical support for all students, including those with special needs.

Why did the Board vote to place a parcel tax measure on the ballot?

With reduced federal funding and limited state funding, HUSD is seeking to maximize locally controlled funding that cannot be taken away. To help protect students, teachers, and staff from budget cuts, the HUSD Board of Education voted to place Measure G, the “Hayward Unified School District Education Protection Measure” on the June 2, 2026 ballot. If approved, this measure would provide $4 million in stable, locally controlled school funding that cannot be taken away through a $98 per-year-per parcel tax.

How much would the parcel tax cost?

If approved, Measure G would cost property owners $98 per parcel per year and would increase annually by the rate of inflation to maintain funding for programs and services. The measure would remain in effect for twelve years and would then automatically expire unless renewed by voters. Homeowners age 65 and over and low-income people with disabilities are eligible for an exemption.

What types of programs would the Hayward Unified School District Education Protection Measure support?

If approved, this measure would provide approximately $4 million annually for twelve years that would be used to:

• Support programs that help students improve math skills
• Sustain strong academic programs in reading, writing, math, art, and science
• Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff and minimize layoffs
• Preserve literacy programs that help students learn to read and write

Don’t we already pay a parcel tax for HUSD?

In June 2012, 71% of local voters approved a $58 parcel tax to support local schools. In May 2017, this parcel tax was renewed and increased to $88 per parcel. Funding from this parcel tax has not increased since 2017, and the cost of providing teachers and educational programs has increased significantly over that period. Funding from this parcel tax is set to expire in three years.

What exemptions are available?

Senior homeowners age 65 and older and low-income people with disabilities would be eligible to apply for an exemption from the parcel tax. Seniors who are already exempt from the current parcel tax would not have to reapply. Exemptions are offered to help ensure the cost of the measure is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes.

How can we be sure that funds are spent as promised?

The measure requires strict fiscal accountability protections. By law, all funds must stay local for Hayward schools only and cannot be taken away by the state or federal governments. An independent oversight committee, annual audits, and public disclosure of all spending is required.

Could funds be taken away by the state or federal governments?

No. By law, all funds would remain local and could not be taken by the state or federal governments. Every dollar would be controlled locally for use in HUSD schools only.

Didn’t we just pass a bond measure for HUSD?

In March 2024, 65% of local voters approved Measure I, which provided funding to repair and upgrade aging Hayward school facilities. By law, funds from Measure I can only be used for repairs and improvements to classrooms, labs, and other school facilities. This funding may not be used for teachers, school staff, education programs or other school operations – including addressing budget cuts.

What level of voter approval is required?

To pass, Measure G requires a two-thirds (66.7%) supermajority vote for approval.

When will Measure G appear on the ballot?

Measure G will appear on the June 2, 2026 statewide primary election ballot. Voters will receive ballots in the mail in early May and they must be returned or postmarked by Election Day.