Parcel Tax

Measure BB is the continuation (with no changes) of Measure H, a parcel tax of $94.24 per-parcel/year approved by Cambrian School District voters in June 2018, which supports Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade students by attracting and retaining quality teachers, continuing core programs in math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music and the arts, maintaining class sizes and providing physical education programs that promote student health and fitness.

Cambrian School District (CSD) is a caring and collaborative community, focused on developing creative and critical thinkers who communicate effectively, value diversity and are ready to excel in a global society. CSD is committed to maintaining the high quality of our neighborhood schools serving children in Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade. Our teachers educate over 3,000 students in four elementary schools, one comprehensive middle school, and a K-8 STEAM Magnet school. Exceptional teachers, small class sizes, challenging instructional programs, dedicated parent volunteers, and outstanding science, math, art and music curricula have prepared generations of local children to succeed in high school, college, and careers. Our goal is to continue that proud tradition with the continuation of our local parcel tax funding – Measure BB.  The level of school funding provided by the state of California is one of the lowest in the nation. We rely on local funding to fill in the gap and to ensure we maintain our excellent school programs.

“Advisory Vote Only. To continue to provide Cambrian neighborhood elementary and middle school students with stable funding for instruction in math, science, reading, engineering, technology, and arts, retaining highly qualified teachers, and maintaining manageable class sizes, should Cambrian School District continue the annual parcel tax that was approved by 67 percent of voters in 2018 (with no changes), with exemptions for seniors, no funds for administrators’ salaries, and every dollar benefitting Cambrian children?”

• Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and support staff who specialize in technology
• Continue funding for advanced and core programs in math, science, engineering and technology
• Support funding for advanced and core programs in reading, music and the arts
• Maintain manageable class sizes
• Provide ongoing training and skills development for teachers and staff
• Continue funding for physical education programs that promote student health and fitness

Measure BB will not change your tax rate. Measure BB is the continuation (with no changes) of Measure H, a parcel tax of $94.24 per-parcel/year approved by Cambrian School District voters in June 2018. Senior citizen homeowners 65 years or older will continue to be eligible for an exemption through a simple application process. We do not want this measure to become a burden to those living on a fixed income.  To find out more about how to apply, please contact Beverly Merrel, by phone (408) 377-2103 x0 or email merrelb@cambriansd.com.

Without Measure BB funding, the Cambrian School District budget would need to be cut by nearly a million dollars, impacting academic programs, increasing class sizes, and only allowing for maintaining the basics. CSD depends on local revenue to supplement limited State funding. Continuing Measure H won’t address all funding needs, but it will help retain exceptional teachers and protect core programs.

Our school district makes every effort to use resources wisely. We have tightened our belt, improved efficiencies, and made cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. Additionally, we have conducted a full assessment of all local school instructional program needs, including the immediate focus to retain our best teachers and maintain our core academics for children in grades TK-8. As a result, we are asking of our community to continue Measure BB, so that we can protect this critical local funding source and continue to provide the high quality of education offered in Cambrian schools.

We strive for teaching and learning excellence in every educational setting. Our goal is to provide all our kids with access to the relevant education and technologies they will need to be successful in high school, college, and good-paying jobs of the future. High quality teachers, strong core educational programs, and small class sizes are essential to student achievement. Continuing these programs will provide a solid foundation that benefits both teaching and learning.

The funding our school district receives from the Lottery each year comprises less than 2% of our annual General Fund Budget. Thus, Lottery funds alone are simply not enough to fund the programs that our schools and students need.

If Measure BB is continued by voters, it will continue to REQUIRE strict taxpayer protections. All funds raised stay local to support CSD instructional programs and cannot be taken by the State or spent on administrator salaries. Mandatory annual audits ensure the funds are used as promised.

Good schools are the foundation of any healthy, thriving community.   Good schools protect property values and keep our neighborhoods strong. Educating our children builds lifelong skills, encourages volunteerism, and provides a talented, educated workforce from which we all benefit.

Senior citizen homeowners 65 years or older will continue to be eligible for an exemption through a simple application process. We do not want this measure to become a burden to those living on a fixed income.  To find out more about how to apply, please contact Beverly Merrel, by phone (408) 377-2103 x0 or email merrelb@cambriansd.com.

We live in one of the most expensive places in the country, but our teachers are among the lowest paid in the area. This funding helps ensure we’re able to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and keep them from leaving for higher-paying districts.

Yes, both commercial and residential property owners will be subject to the same flat rate per parcel.

Our school district has strived to be a model of financial responsibility, making every effort to spend taxpayer dollars wisely. We appreciate the generous support from our community. The level of school funding provided by the state of California is one of the lowest in the nation. We rely on local funding to fill in the gap. Fortunately, local voters have generously supported CSD with school funding measures, voting to pass Measure I, a school facilities bond, in 2014, Measure H, a parcel tax, in 2018 and Measure R, a school facilities bond, in 2020 to protect and maintain the local quality of education.  

A parcel tax is a flat assessment on each parcel of land. Unlike school bond measures, which can only be used to fund school facility improvements, parcel tax revenues can be used to fund programs and services. School districts use parcel tax revenues to preserve, restore or enhance instructional programs. No revenue generated by a local parcel tax can be taken away by the State. All parcel tax revenue stays local to benefit local Cambrian schools and students.

All registered voters within the Cambrian School District would be eligible to vote on such a measure.