Voters in two Petaluma-area elementary school districts decide on Nov. 3, 2026 whether to borrow money for school repairs. Waugh School District's Measure E would authorize $16 million in bonds, and Old Adobe Union School District's Measure O would authorize $48 million. Both are paid back through property taxes on homes and land inside each district, and both need 55% of the vote to pass.

These measures appear only on ballots of voters who live inside each district's boundaries. Petaluma voters countywide also see Measure H, the parks sales tax renewal, and Measure AB, the $830 million Santa Rosa Junior College bond.

Measure E: Waugh School District, $16 million

Waugh runs two schools, Meadow and Corona Creek. The ballot question says the money would replace heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, modernize outdated classrooms and restrooms, and make health, safety and security improvements. The project list in the county guide also covers leaky roofs, plumbing and sewer lines, playgrounds, portables and access for students with disabilities.

The district's tax rate statement estimates the highest rate at $30 per $100,000 of assessed value in fiscal year 2027-28, with an average of $28.65 over the life of the bonds. The tax is expected to be collected through 2060-61, and total repayment, including interest, is estimated at about $32 million. The ballot question says it would raise about $917,000 a year. For a home assessed at $600,000, $30 per $100,000 works out to about $180 a year.

The argument in favor is signed by Petaluma City Councilmember John Shribbs, Waugh parent Vanessa Chung, pediatric dentist Dr. Sabina Gupta Sud, and Waugh School Board members Kristine Weeks and Jarrett Baglietto. They write that many classrooms at Meadow and Corona Creek "do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards." No argument against Measure E was filed.

Measure O: Old Adobe Union School District, $48 million

Old Adobe's ballot question lists repairing or replacing leaky roofs, health, safety and security upgrades, new HVAC systems, accessibility improvements, and modernizing classrooms, restrooms and multipurpose rooms.

The tax rate statement, signed by co-superintendents Michele Gochberg and Cindy Friberg, estimates the highest rate at $25 per $100,000 of assessed value, projected from 2027-28 through 2055-56, with an average of $24.15. The tax is expected to run until 2059-60. If all the bonds are sold, total repayment is estimated at about $97 million, and the tax would raise about $2.8 million a year. On a $600,000 assessed value, $25 per $100,000 is about $150 a year.

The argument in favor is signed by attorney and PEF board member Kimberly Strickland, trustees Anna Dietrich and Peter J. Walsh, and Petaluma Valley Rotary parent Renee McKenna. They point to independent citizens' oversight and audits and the rule that no bond money can go to salaries. No argument against Measure O was filed.

What yes and no mean

A yes vote lets the district sell the bonds and levy the property tax to repay them. A no vote blocks both. In each case, county counsel notes the tax rates are estimates and can move up or down with bond timing and property values, and having a project on the list doesn't guarantee it gets built.

For the Petaluma mayor's race and every other measure we've covered, see our Election 2026 guide.