San Marino Unified board calls June 3 election to renew Measure R parcel tax

The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to place a six-year renewal of Measure R, a $415-per-parcel education parcel tax, on the June 3, 2025 all-mail ballot. The board adopted Resolution No. 11 (2024–25) after a public hearing and brief public comment.

Dr. Stephen Choi, the district’s chief business officer, opened the public hearing by saying this was “the procedural item to allow for public input concerning the district's calling to renew measure R, an education parcel tax that has been in place since 1991 and is due to expire on June 30, 2025.” The resolution the board approved would keep the tax at the current rate of $415 per parcel for six years, provide an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment beginning in 2026, and continue exemptions for residents age 65 and older and people receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability insurance.

The lone in-person speaker during the hearing, Christine Gail, identified herself as a homeowner and parent of a Huntington Middle School student and urged the board to support the renewal. “I am here tonight to request that, you all, consider supporting the resolution to call the election to renew measure r,” she said, adding the tax supports teachers and technology services.

The measure’s draft ballot materials (Exhibit A) and an accountability plan (Exhibit B) list intended uses including maintaining existing educational programs, retaining and attracting teachers and counselors, maintaining class size and library services, supporting science and math programs, and keeping technology service technicians. Staff told the board the draft uses will be edited to say “library services” (rather than “librarians”) because the district does not currently employ positions with the title "librarian." Exhibit C is the formal notice to the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder to call the election; staff noted the notice must be submitted by the county superintendent by March 5.

Board members discussed legal and oversight details. Staff advised parcel taxes do not require an independent oversight committee under state law; the district will continue to keep parcel tax proceeds in a separate fund and will publish an annual accountability report no later than Dec. 31 each year. The staff report also referenced Government Code section 50077 as the procedural authority for the public hearing.

Votes at a glance - Resolution to call an all‑mail ballot election renewing Measure R (renewal at $415 per parcel, six years, COLA beginning 2026; senior and disability exemptions retained): motion approved by roll call (President Chang, Mr. Song, Ms. Lam, Ms. Ryan, Vice President Francesca Gere, Mr. Chen and student board member Chloe Ta all recorded "Aye"). - Second reading and adoption of Board Policy 6158 (Independent Study): approved by roll call. - Appointment of seven members to the Measure M Bond Oversight Committee (seven named community members recommended by subcommittee): motion carried by roll call (list of recommended members included in board materials). - Audited financial statements for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (independent auditor issued an unmodified opinion; one state compliance finding noted for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program service days): approved by roll call. - Approval of minutes dated Jan. 14, 2025: motion carried; one abstention recorded (Ms. Lam). - Consent agenda (items 9a–9ks): approved by roll call. - Board members’ compensation: board voted to waive the $240-per-month statutory compensation and leave the funds with the district: motion carried by roll call.

What the board did not decide tonight: The board did not set a campaign strategy or formal spending plan related to the Measure R renewal; staff noted community volunteers have offered to assist with outreach if the board adopts the resolution to call the election. No other public commenters spoke in opposition during the public hearing; there were no requests to speak via Zoom.

Why it matters: In the staff presentation, district finance staff said the parcel tax has been a longstanding local revenue source to supplement state funds and support instructional positions, technology and academic programs. The renewal, if approved by voters, would continue a locally controlled funding stream the district relies on to maintain current programs. Staff identified the parcel tax as one of several local revenue sources that contribute to the district’s budget alongside Measure M and the schools foundation.

Next steps: By approving the resolution the board set the district on the statutory timeline to place the measure on the June 3, 2025 ballot and to provide required notices to the county; staff will return with any final edits to the ballot language and with required administrative actions to complete the filing with the county.