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Poll shows parcel‑tax renewal can pass if voters are informed; board weighs June 2026 ballot
Summary
Consultants told the board that a mixed‑mode survey of 400 likely voters found initial support for renewing and restoring an expired parcel tax just under two‑thirds, but support rose above two‑thirds (roughly 72%) after voters heard information about the consequences of loss of funding and program priorities. Staff recommended pursuing a June 2026 ballot to secure funds for FY26‑27.
Consultants presented a feasibility study and voter polling on Nov. 16 that the board said could justify placing a parcel‑tax renewal on the ballot next year.
Charles (consultant) introduced Jessica from EMC Research, who described a mixed‑mode survey of 400 likely voters (margin of error ±4.9 percentage points). Jessica said initial support for a renewal that would reauthorize the existing parcel tax at its current rate and restore a recently expired $234 per parcel started around 62–64 percent — below the two‑thirds threshold required for passage. "Support for this measure increases above two thirds once respondents receive information about the benefits and need for the measure," she said, reporting post‑information support of roughly 72 percent.
Consultants and trustees discussed messaging and timing. Poll testing showed the most persuasive messages emphasized what would be lost if the tax did not pass — notably the consultants’ description that the parcel tax represents roughly one quarter of the district’s budget, about $12 million per year. Trustees raised concerns about voter perceptions of cost, potential confusion about the current rate (the district’s current rate reflects inflation adjustments), and competing parcel‑tax measures in November (including a likely Tam Union High School District renewal) that could reduce chances of passage.
Consultants recommended pursuing the June 2026 primary election to make additional funds available for the 2026‑27 fiscal year and to avoid a crowded November ballot; the statutory deadline to qualify for the June ballot is March 6, 2026. Trustees discussed building an independent campaign committee (district staff cannot advocate using public resources), voter outreach given that roughly 18 percent of likely‑voter respondents were current district parents and about 30 percent of registered voters were seniors, and the availability of a senior exemption for some parcel taxes.
What’s next: Staff will bring draft measure language for board consideration in January and a resolution for formal placement on the March calendar if the board directs pursuing a June election. Trustees emphasized the need for clear messaging about fiscal impact, program priorities (teacher retention, small class sizes, STEM and literacy), and accountability provisions tested in the poll.
