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School board approves feasibility study to test parcel-tax options amid local funding concerns
Summary
Trustees voted to hire Team Civics, Godby Research and SEI Consulting to conduct a feasibility survey and develop square-footage and flat-rate parcel-tax scenarios after public commenters and parents urged swift action to close funding gaps.
The Redwood City School District Governing Board voted April 2, 2025 to authorize a feasibility study to test community support for a parcel-tax measure, including evaluation of square-footage and flat-rate scenarios. The study will be performed by Team Civics, Godby Research and SEI Consulting, which the board authorized to design surveys, run public listening sessions and model tax-rate scenarios.
Two public commenters voiced support for measuring voter appetite. "We're part of a group leading a citizens initiative for a parcel tax... but honestly we aren't picky about how the funding gets passed," said Jessica Shade, a parent at Orion, who urged the district to pursue options that preserve teachers, STEAM programs and small classes. Carlo Kavali, another parent and parcel-tax volunteer, encouraged the district to proceed quickly and said square-footage approaches have raised significant revenue in other districts.
Consultants laid out a typical timeline and process: an initial listening session with district leaders and stakeholders; two to three weeks to craft and program a questionnaire; seven to 10 days of field interviewing; a short data-processing period; and a board presentation of topline results and cross-tabs. SEI Consulting will develop tax-rate scenarios (flat vs. square footage) and a technical memorandum recommending options tied to the district’s revenue goals.
A board member moved to approve the contracts and a trustee seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. The board discussion noted urgency from classroom-level funding pressures and prior community interest; trustees assigned district staff to schedule the consultants’ listening sessions and begin survey design.
The approval authorizes staff to proceed with outreach, survey administration and scenario development. The feasibility study does not place a measure on the ballot; it is intended to inform district decision-making and potential future action.
