To that end, the council unanimously passed a resolution supporting Mt. Diablo Unified School District's Measure D, a parcel tax measure expected to generated about $7 million a year for the cash-strapped district. The $99 per-parcel tax will be on the May 19 ballot, and needs two-thirds voter approval to pass.

The Mt. Diablo district includes several Walnut Creek schools, including Northgate High School and Foothill Middle School.

Property owners in the Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Ramon and Acalanes districts, which all serve Walnut Creek, all have parcel taxes — Mt. Diablo is the only area district that does not, Councilwoman Cindy Silva said. The parcel taxes in the other districts give more local control over student's education and Mt. Diablo students shouldn't be left out, she said.

"I think it's important that we have equal opportunity for all children in Walnut Creek," said Silva.