San Marino, CA – The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously on Monday, March 29, 2021 to place a renewal measure for Measure E, a $968 education parcel tax, on the ballot for a June 29, 2021 special election.
Renewing Measure E before it expires on June 30, 2021 continues locally controlled parcel tax funding that the District has relied on for 30 years. This funding generates $4.1 million annually to attract and retain the best qualified teachers and protect top-quality education programs.
“We are grateful that our community has supported San Marino schools with local funding from Measure E since 2009. If Measure E is not renewed, the District faces devastating losses. That is why we have been working tirelessly with teachers and our community to ensure there is an opportunity to put this on the ballot again before it expires.” – Shelley Ryan, President, San Marino Unified School District Board of Education
The renewal measure does not increase the current base tax rate and includes a six-year expiration date. Funds from the renewal measure would keep highly qualified teachers in the classroom, keep instructional technology up to date, preserve small class sizes, and maintain advanced and honors academic programs that prepare students for success.
“As demonstrated at tonight's school board meeting, everyone is fully engaged in keeping teachers, counselors and specialists where they belong in San Marino classrooms. If passed, the renewed Measure E will go far in saving jobs and sustaining our District. We feel nothing but gratitude towards our community members and the Board who are working to keep our schools whole." – Lettie Aranda, President, San Marino Teachers Association
"It is great news that we can get Measure E back on the ballot for voters to approve in June." – Marguerite Lindsay, President California School Employees Association
The measure requires 2/3 to pass and will need broad support from the community. All revenue from the measure would be spent in San Marino schools and cannot be taken by the State or federal government. Independent oversight and annual audits would be required, and no funds could be used for administrators’ salaries. An exemption for senior citizens and contiguous parcels would continue to be available.
This measure will appear on the June 29, 2021 special, all-mail ballot election. All registered voters in the San Marino Unified School District will be eligible to vote on the measure and ballots will be mailed in early June.
“I am honored to step forward and coordinate this campaign for what has to be one of the most important issues facing our District. If we don't pass this measure, this June, the landscape of our educational community is subject to drastic change with serious consequences for our children, our schools and community. My hope is that we can all come together with one focus in mind -- passing the measure which will secure sustainable 6 year funding for our students.” – Nam Jack, Former San Marino Unified School District Board Member, Measure E Chair
