Frequently Asked Questions About a Potential Revenue Measure

Redwood City School District (RCSD) strives to provide a strong, well-rounded education in a safe and supportive environment. Our schools are known for fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among students. With the support of our experienced and dedicated teachers, counselors, and staff, we prepare students to succeed in high school, college, careers, and beyond.

RCSD educators are among the most experienced and dedicated in the region, yet rising living costs and unpredictable state and federal funding mean cuts will remain an annual necessity without a stable, ongoing supplemental revenue source. Without a stable, locally
controlled funding source, the District will continue to struggle with retaining its veteran educators, attracting young professionals looking to start their teaching careers, and will be forced to cut key academic and support programs and services.

In order to retain its veteran teachers and prevent further cuts, the RCSD Board of Trustees is considering placing a measure on the June 2026 ballot. Without additional funding, the District may be forced to make additional cuts to teachers and staff and essential programs
that directly impact students.

While RCSD has been a good steward of taxpayer funds, the current funding landscape is not sustainable. The District faces growing costs, including inflation, and rising employee healthcare premiums-yet revenue from the state and federal government has not kept pace.
Additional locally controlled funding is necessary to preserve our progress, prevent teacher turnover, and protect the quality of academic programs and services. Without new funding, the challenge of retaining our teachers and attracting new staff will continue.

If approved, the measure would provide local funding to:

• Attract and retain qualified teachers, counselors, and school staff
• Maintain hands-on science classes and provide math and science enrichment
• Preserve science, technology, engineering and math instruction
• Support quality reading and writing programs
• Maintain manageable class sizes

No. The proposed measure would include strict language prohibiting the use of funds for administrator salaries or pensions. Every dollar would go directly to supporting instruction and student programs.

Yes. All funds generated by this measure would stay within Redwood City public and charter schools. Every dollar would be locally controlled and could not be taken by the State or Federal Government.

Any future measure would include mandatory fiscal accountability provisions, including:

• All funds would benefit Redwood City elementary and middle schools, be controlled locally, and could not be taken away by the State or Federal Government
• No funds could be used for administrator salaries or pensions
• Independent citizens’ oversight, public disclosure, and annual audits would ensure funds are spent as promised
• Senior citizen homeowners would be eligible for an exemption

The measure under consideration would be 17.5¢ per building per square foot, meaning that single-family homeowners would pay less than large commercial property owners. For parcels without any buildings, there would be a flat charge of $25.

Because the revenue source focuses on building square footage, a single-family home of 2,000 square feet would have an annual cost of approximately $350. This revenue measure will ensure large property owners pay more than smaller, single-family homes.

Yes. Senior citizens who own their homes would be eligible to apply for an exemption from the cost of the measure.

Even if you do not currently have children in RCSD schools, supporting high-quality education benefits the entire community. Good schools strengthen neighborhoods, protect property values, and contribute to safer, more vibrant communities.

Your voice matters. As RCSD plans for the future of our schools, we invite your input and questions. Please reach out to RCSD communications and community engagement at locafunding@rcsdk8.net