School board considering another parcel tax

"The Palo Alto Unified School District's $905 parcel tax, which funds nearly 5% of the district's budget, expires at the end of next school year. The tax, which landowners pay at a flat rate for each lot they own, brings in around $16.5 million a year for the district. It can only be renewed through a ballot measure and needs two-thirds of the vote."

"PAUSD contracted with the political data firm True North Research to survey 504 local voters on the possibility of a seven-year, $941 tax, with a 2% increase each year and an exemption for seniors. The survey, which will be presented to the board Tuesday (Nov. 4), found that around 73% of respondents were in favor of approving the tax, while 19% were opposed and 8% unsure."

"At its meeting Tuesday, the board will look at how likely voters are to renew the tax and discuss when to put a measure on the ballot, with an eye toward June 2026. If the tax isn't approved, the district's revenue could fall from $348.8 million over the 2026-27 school year to $337.8 million the following year, according to a report by Chief Business Officer Charen Yu."

The Palo Alto Unified School District's $905 parcel tax, funding nearly 5% of the district budget, expires at the end of the next school year. The tax yields about $16.5 million annually and is paid per lot by landowners. Renewal requires a ballot measure and a two-thirds majority. District-contracted polling of 504 local voters tested a seven-year $941 measure with a 2% annual increase and a senior exemption, finding roughly 73% support. Voters rated education the top local priority. Failure to renew could reduce revenue from $348.8 million to $337.8 million and require cutting an estimated 79 jobs.

Read at padailypost.com