Two sides debate Palo Alto schools parcel tax

An $800 parcel tax measure for the Palo Alto Unified School District, Measure B, was debated by current and former board members. Supporters said voting yes is a way to show community trust and provide moral and public support for children, while also arguing the district needs a reliable revenue stream not dependent on state or federal sources. They emphasized uncertainty about future finances and the need to plan for the next two to five years. Opponents argued the district already has over $100 million in reserves, property taxes are rising as enrollment declines, and the parcel tax is unnecessary. They said reserves and guaranteed property taxes are sufficient and that the measure would not meaningfully change the district’s financial outlook.

"Board member Rowena Chiu said supporting Measure B on June 2 is a symbolic way for voters to show trust in board members, who are working to make changes amid tumultuous times. Measure B "is a moral good and a public good" that represents the community's support for its children, Chiu said."

"But former board member Ken Dauber said board members build trust by asking for money the district doesn't need. "The parcel tax is not about signaling virtue or support for the schools. It's a funding question," Dauber said at the debate. The district has over $100 million in reserves."

"Property taxes are going up as enrollment declines each year, former board member Todd Collins said against Measure B. "This is the new financial reality," Collins said. "Let's give our neighbors a well-deserved break and let the parcel tax lapse." "The district's finances are in the best shape in living memory," Collins said."

"Board member Shounak Dharap said it's better to be safe than sorry, and voters should support Measure B to account for an uncertain economic future. "For us, the parcel tax is the only revenue stream that's not reliant on Washington and Sacramento," he said. "It's not enough to say we have enough money now, because we don't know if we're going to have enough money in two to five years.""

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