At its July 29, 2026 meeting, the Orchard School District Board of Trustees approved placing a local parcel tax measure before District voters in the November 3, 2026 election.
The proposed measure is intended to provide locally controlled funding to support educational programs and services, including:
Attracting and retaining qualified teachers and staff
Maintaining core academic programs in math, science, reading, technology, and the arts
Supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education
Strengthening reading and writing skills
Providing student mental health support
Expanding access to instructional technology, laboratories, materials, and other educational resources
The measure would levy 4 cents per building square foot, with a maximum of $89 per residential parcel and a maximum commercial parcel of $7,500 per year. It is estimated to generate approximately $1.4 million annually for eight years, beginning July 1, 2027.
Exemptions would be available for qualifying senior citizens and certain individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
All proceeds would remain under local control and could not be taken by the State. The measure also includes fiscal accountability requirements, including a separate account, annual expenditure reports, and an annual independent financial audit.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026