Redwood City School District’s Measure C is a June 2026 ballot measure proposing a parcel tax of 17.5 cents per square foot annually for eight years to raise $12.2 million for local TK-8 schools.
The parcel tax would cost the owner of a 2,000-square-foot home would be $350 a year. The district closed four schools in response to declining enrollment. The money from no longer running those schools should have balanced the district’s budget. But the district is seeking to raise taxes to cover pensions and its special education program.
To cut costs, teachers should have agreed to reduce their platinum retirement benefits. And the special education program should be funded with state and federal dollars.
Redwood City School District’s Measure C parcel tax imposes an unnecessary financial burden on residents already facing high costs. The parcel tax, which lasts for eight years, asks homeowners to fix structural funding issues with more of their own money, while the district should instead be maximizing existing funds and demanding state support of special education.
Taxpayers have already been generous with the school district, and now it is time for the district to manage its $158 million in revenue efficiently without asking the community for a bailout. We recommend a “no” vote on Measure C.
The pension benefits that you refer to are not set by school districts. They are mandated by the state government.
Paul D., you’re half right. Districts cannot choose their main pension plan — it is mandated by the state — but they can choose whether to offer the CalSTRS Cash Balance Benefit Program for part-time, substitute, or temporary employees.
Also, RCSD offers 403(b) and 457(b) plans for employee retirement savings.
And another fun fact. You’re eligible for retirement benefits after just five years of service for employees 55 and older.