The Abridged version:
- Sacramento City Unified leaders are asking voters to approve a parcel tax, the revenue of which would go toward supporting the cash-strapped school district.
- The tax would be on the ballot this November and requires at least two-thirds of voters to approve it.
- Officials emphasized that a tax is one piece of an ongoing fiscal recovery plan, as the district contends with a multimillion-dollar deficit and possible state takeover.
Sacramento City Unified leaders are asking voters for help keeping programs afloat in the cash-strapped school district.
Trustees gave staff the green light to pursue a parcel tax, the rate of which remains to be seen, at Thursday’s board meeting.
As Sacramento City Unified stares down a multimillion-dollar budget deficit and the possibility of running out of cash during next school year, income from a new tax would boost the district’s revenue. These extra dollars may go toward services like special education, athletics or electives.
Chris Ralston, assistant superintendent of facilities, emphasized that a tax is a piece of the overall, ongoing financial recovery plan. Other actions have included shrinking the district’s central office and slashing department supply budgets.
“We’re not coming to the community asking for more revenue without doing our own hard work first,” Ralston said.
What would a parcel tax entail?
With the board approval, staff are kicking off a short-sprint process to put a parcel tax in front of voters on November’s ballot.
A parcel tax is different from a property tax, in that it is not based on property value. Ralston said the amount would depend on a customized formula.
Parcel taxes can be a flat rate, meaning all home and property owners pay the same total amount. They can also be a per-square-foot rate, so larger property owners pay more.
The tax would be levied on properties within the school district boundaries.
Board members expressed support for using the money to help with rising special education costs.
A survey will go out to voters between late June and mid-July, Ralston said. In it, voters will have the chance to weigh in on what they want their dollars to go toward.
High bar for approval
Parcel taxes need approval from two-thirds of voters, a high bar that is often difficult to clear.
The last time Sacramento City Unified asked property owners for additional support, in 2016, the proposed parcel tax failed by half a percentage point.
Yet, Ralston is optimistic that with enough communication, the district can win over the necessary number of people. Plus, he pointed to a successful track record of passing and using bond measures — which need 55% approval — to fund districtwide facilities projects.
The district’s last bond measure passed in 2024 by 74% — more than two-thirds.
“We have a very supportive community,” Ralston said. “We just need to show them the plan.”
Savannah Kuchar is a reporter covering education. She came to Sacramento to be a part of the Abridged team and contribute to a crucial local news source.Â