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Board directs staff to draft resolution after FM3 survey shows consolidation of parcel taxes likely to clear two‑thirds threshold
Summary
After consultant FM3 presented a 307‑respondent survey showing 70% initial support for combining parcel taxes E and R (rising to about 75% after informational messaging), the board directed staff to bring a resolution on June 23 to place a consolidation measure on the November 2026 ballot with no new tax increase.
San Marino Unified School District board members on June 9 directed staff to prepare a resolution for the June 23 meeting that would place a consolidated parcel tax measure — combining measures E and R with no increase in the current tax rate — on the November 2026 ballot.
The direction followed a presentation by Adam, a pollster with FM3, who summarized a district‑commissioned survey of 307 likely voters (margin of error roughly ±5.7 percentage points). FM3 read a 75‑word ballot question that described a consolidation of the two existing local taxes for six years, with senior exemptions retained and disclosure requirements. According to FM3, 70% of respondents initially said they would vote yes and 26% no; after the survey included explanatory messages the yes vote climbed to about 75%, and when a standard opposition case was simulated the measure held at about 72% support — above the two‑thirds threshold required for renewal of school parcel taxes.
"We've given people information about the measure," Adam told the board, arguing that the combination of messages stressing fiscal accountability, maintaining academic excellence and senior exemptions strengthened support.
Michelle Lewis of Team Civics urged continued community outreach and refinement of the ballot language, including a final 75‑word statement for the county ballot pamphlet and identification of ballot argument signers. The board asked staff to return with an election cost estimate and to draft a resolution as an action item on June 23. Staff noted the district had obtained an estimate for the registrar's office fee for the November general election and contrasted that with a much larger bill the district faced in a prior special election year.
The measure as presented would not raise the current tax rate but would consolidate and extend existing parcel taxes; FM3 estimated the consolidated measure would raise about $6.1 million annually. Board members emphasized the need to educate voters about the measure's purposes and accountability provisions before a final placement decision.
What's next: Staff will prepare a resolution and supporting materials for the June 23 board meeting; if the board approves the resolution, an independent campaign committee would be responsible for advocacy on the ballot measure under state campaign rules.
