Measure Q - 2026 Parcel Tax

Measure Q is a local parcel tax on the November 3, 2026 ballot, seeking voter authorization to provide stable
funding to protect core academic programs and prevent further budget reductions at CSD neighborhood
schools. To pass, at least 66.67% of voters must approve Measure Q. A “YES” vote APPROVES funding to protect
the District’s academic classroom programs and avoids cuts. A “NO” vote REJECTS approving funding for this
plan. All registered voters in CSD are eligible to vote on this measure.

If approved by voters, Measure Q would levy $148 per parcel per year—about $12.33 a month—for 8 years. A
parcel tax is a flat amount charged to each parcel of land, not a rate charged against the assessed value of your
property, so every parcel pays the same amount regardless of value. The rate would be adjusted annually for
inflation. Senior citizen homeowners 65 years or older are eligible for an exemption. Measure Q is anticipated
to generate approximately $1,000,000 annually in locally controlled funding for Cambrian schools.

“To protect the quality of education in our local elementary and middle schools, provide funding for core
academic programs in math, science, engineering, technology, reading, writing and arts, attract/retain highly
qualified teachers, and maintain manageable class sizes, shall Cambrian School District’s measure be adopted,
levying $148/parcel for 8 years, its continuance subject to voter approval, with senior exemptions, annual
inflation adjustments, providing $1,000,000 annually in locally controlled funding that can’t be taken by the
State?”

Without additional local funding, the District faces deeper cuts that would impact our students’ daily experience.

• The Budget Advisory Committee has already identified the following areas for potential reduction:
• Music Instruction: Reductions in the number of programs offered.
• Library Services: Reductions in library staff and operating hours.
• Elementary Physical Education: Elimination of elementary physical education para-educator positions.
• Support Services: Potential cuts to academic and mental health services.

Competition for high quality teachers has become a big challenge for school districts in the Bay Area. If we want
to attract and retain high quality teachers, we need to pay them a competitive salary. Cambrian School District
is committed to teaching and learning excellence in every classroom. Highly qualified teachers and instructional
staff, manageable class sizes, and strong academic programs help prepare Cambrian students for success in high
school, college, and careers. If approved by voters, Measure Q funds will go to supporting teaching and
classroom instruction. No funds can be used for administrator salaries.

The District has worked to use resources wisely and keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. For
the past two years, the Budget Advisory Committee — made up of parents, teachers, classified staff,
administrators, and community members — has studied District finances and identified $2.6 million in ongoing
reductions needed to maintain fiscal solvency. Earlier this year, the District made the difficult decision to close
Sartorette Elementary School, consolidating from six school sites to five and saving approximately $1 million
annually in overhead costs. Despite these savings, additional reductions are needed to address the District’s
ongoing financial challenges.

Senior citizen resident homeowners 65 years or older are eligible for an exemption through a simple application
process. Those with an existing exemption do not need to re-apply. 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 at (408) 377-2103 or email merrelb@cambriansd.com.

Good schools are the foundation of any healthy, thriving community. Good schools help make our
neighborhoods desirable places to live and support local property values. They also help attract families and
contribute to the quality of life we all share.

Measure Q requires a transparent system of accountability including annual independent audits, and public
disclosure of how all funds are spent. Measure Q funds will stay local to support our students. It can’t be taken
away by the State or used for administrator salaries. All funds from Measure Q go straight to support teaching
and classroom instruction. Senior citizens (property owners age 65 and older) are eligible for an exemption.

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.

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 —
teachers, class sizes, and instructional programs. School districts use parcel tax revenues to preserve, restore,
or enhance instructional programs. A parcel tax measure requires approval by two-thirds (66.7%) of voters who
cast a ballot on the measure, whereas a Proposition 39 school bond requires 55%. 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 five Cambrian neighborhood schools — Bagby Elementary, Fammatre Elementary, Farnham Elementary,
Price Middle School, and Steindorf STEAM Magnet — would receive funding from Measure Q.

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.

If approved by voters, Measure Q funds would first be collected in the 2027-28 fiscal year. The Board of Trustees
would direct the funds to the highest-priority instructional needs identified by the community, and would report
annually to the public on how the funds were spent.

No. All money raised by Measure Q would stay in the District to support our schools and students. It cannot be
taken away by the State or used for any other purpose.

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

Yes. Both commercial and residential property owners would be subject to the same flat rate per parcel.

All registered voters within CSD boundaries are eligible to vote on Measure Q on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Measure Q requires two-thirds (66.7%) voter approval to pass.