Frequently Asked Questions
San Marino Unified School District
Parcel Tax Renewal Measure FAQ
How are San Marino Unified School District schools doing?
San Marino Unified School District ("SMUSD") provides local students with a challenging and enriching education that promotes academic excellence and lifelong learning. Our SMUSD schools are recognized as some of the best in our county and state – with over 90% of our high school graduates accepted to top performing colleges.
How does our community support San Marino schools?
For the past 30 years, our SMUSD schools have relied on community support through local parcel tax funds. Without community support, SMUSD would not be able to offer smaller class sizes and valued enrichment programs, such as visual and performing arts, athletics, speech and debate as well as computer programming. Our parcel tax known as Measure E was passed in 2009 and renewed by voters in 2015. Measure E provides SMUSD schools with approximately $4.1 million annually to attract and retain the best qualified teachers and counselors and protect our top-quality education programs. Measure E is set to expire on June 30, 2021.
What would happen if Measure E is not renewed?
Current funding is set to end on June 30, 2021. Accordingly, if Measure E is not renewed by the voters on June 29, 2021, approximately $4.1 annually would have to be cut from the SMUSD's budget, requiring the SMUSD to lay off teachers and support staff, increase class sizes, and cut academic, athletic, and art programs.
How is SMUSD addressing the expiring funding?
Because many parents and community members want to maintain excellent local schools, SMUSD worked diligently to ensure that a renewal measure can be placed on the ballot before Measure E expires. After working with the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters’ office, the SMUSD Board of Education voted unanimously on March 29, 2021 to place a parcel tax renewal measure on the ballot for a special, all-mail ballot election on June 29, 2021.
Does the renewal measure increase the existing parcel tax?
No. The renewal measure would not increase the current annual rate of $968 per parcel, per year. In addition, the renewal measure limits future annual increases to no more than 3%.
What would the renewal measure fund?
If approved by 2/3 of local voters, the renewal measure would provide stable funding to:
- Keep highly qualified teachers in the classroom
- Keep instructional technology up to date
- Continue funding for advanced programs in math, science, engineering, technology and robotics
- Preserve small class sizes
- Maintain advanced and honors academic programs that prepare students for success
How does the renewal measure help to retain our SMUSD teachers?
Since 2009, Measure E funding has helped support the retention of our highly qualified teachers. SMUSD and the San Marino Teachers Association have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing that if the renewal measure passes on June 29, 2021, 33 teaching and counseling positions will be reinstated. Please find a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding HERE.
When would the renewal measure expire?
The measure would expire in six years.
How much would the renewal measure cost property owners?
The measure would renew the current annual rate of $968 per parcel, per year. Any future increases are capped at 3% annually.
Does the renewal measure continue fiscal accountability provisions?
Yes. All funding raised would benefit SMUSD schools only. Measure E funds cannot be taken by the state or used for administrator salaries. Annual reports to the community would continue to be required.
Are there exemptions? Are seniors eligible for an exemption?
Yes. Exemptions for seniors (65 and older) would continue to be available. Learn more about parcel tax exemptions by clicking HERE.
What about the measure residents voted on in March?
The measure on the March 2, 2021 ballot had broad community support but did not reach the 2/3 majority needed to pass.
I do not have children in the schools. How would a renewal measure benefit me?
The strength of our community reflects the strength of our schools. Our property values reflect the strength of our schools. By preserving student success and protecting high-quality education, we help maintain high property values in our area.
When is the election and who can vote on the renewal measure?
The SMUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to place the measure on the ballot for a special, all-mail election on June 29, 2021. Ballots will be sent to all registered voters who live within the SMUSD boundaries beginning in early June.
What level of support would the renewal measure need to pass?
This renewal measure would need to be supported by 66.7% of those who vote on it in order to pass.
How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting, please contact the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters at lavote.net/vrstatus.