By Jorge Casuso

August 12, 2026 – Supporters of a $495 parcel tax on the November ballot say the money is needed to “protect educational excellence,” but opponents counter it is in effect a City tax that won't increase school funding, according to ballot arguments submitted to the City Clerk last week.

If approved by a simple majority, the tax would generate an estimated $12 million a year to replace the annual funding the City provides to local schools under a Master Facilities Use Agreement that expires on June 30, 2027.

Supporters contend the District can no longer depend on the cash-strapped City to provide the permanent funding that would be generated by the proposed parcel tax, which would rise annually with inflation and would not expire.

“The City of Santa Monica’s unprecedented fiscal distress has put $12 million in annual City funding for our public schools at risk,” supporters wrote in their ballot argument in favor of the tax. “Without a stable, locally controlled funding source, our schools face the loss of teachers and essential educational programs.”

According to supporters, the tax would “prevent the loss of up to 73 teachers” and “preserve exceptional math, science and humanities instruction while protecting our nationally recognized music and arts programs.”

It also would “protect critical programs for early childhood education and disadvantaged students” and “maintain the educational excellence that helps keep Santa Monica a great place to live.”

Opponents don't buy that the City is in such dire straits or that the District needs the cash, adding in their argument against the tax that the “threats of cuts to teachers and programs are fearmongering.”

“Despite declaring fiscal distress last year, the City announced a $9 million surplus,” opponents said. "The District averaged a $14 million surplus over the last 5 years and has $84 million in reserves.”

 ”This new tax will not increase school funding. It’s a Santa Monica City tax disguised as a school tax with no City spending restrictions. Malibu schools benefit from this tax without Malibu residents paying.”

“This measure shifts payment from the City to the people of Santa Monica -- forever.”

In their rebuttal to the argument against the tax, supporters said opponents were “misrepresenting the facts” and reiterated their arguments.

They also noted that seniors and nonprofits are exempt from the tax, homeowners will pay $1.36 per day and renters will see a “minuscule” allowable pass through.

Santa Monica voters have approved a total of seven tax measures in the last two General Elections, including a $495 million Bond Measure in 2024 to upgrade facilities at local District schools.