Measure A Passes Overwhelmingly

Measure A passed Tuesday night with more than 81 percent of the vote, easily clearing the two-thirds majority it needed to pass.

The measure will ensure an additional $1 million in revenue for the San Carlos School District as it continues to struggle with budget cuts and unprecedented deficits.

The $111 parcel tax will be extended for eight more years thanks to the overwhelming support of San Carlos residents.

"I have no children, and I never will," said Jeff McKown of San Carlos. "I have never attended any school functions or events in San Carlos, nor have I ever made use of any school facility for any reason. I don’t know any teachers, administrators, or other school employees in San Carlos. I couldn’t even find most San Carlos schools on a map. But, I voted ‘yes’ for Measure A."

For years now, the San Carlos School District has struggled to stay afloat as the state has continuously slashed its budget and revenue sources have declined.

The implications for the measure’s success were raised to a new level of importance on Monday as Superintendent Craig Baker released a letter stating the city was in an “unprecedented financial predicament.”

The anticipated failure of state tax initiatives, Baker said, was initially thought to mean a reduction of $349 per student. The state appropriates a certain amount of money per student, a number that fluctuates per city based on a number of varying criteria. However, a second look at the state’s ever-increasing deficit of $12 billion could mean more severe cuts. Baker said the state now estimates cuts could be as high as $825 per student.

The district faces a $2.6 million deficit. The successful passing of Measure A closes that gap by $1 million.

“That would have been truly devastating,” said school board member Seth Rosenblatt. “It’s easy to see how preserving this local revenue stream is absolutely crucial in an environment where state funding continues to decline and be uncertain.”

The passage of the measure will still leave the district with a deficit anywhere from $1.3 million to $2.6 million, depending on the severity of the cuts determined in Sacramento.

“We may not know how much money Sacramento will send us until the fall,” said Baker. “We will simply have to make an educated guess and plan for multiple scenarios.”

Baker said the district may have to make further, significant reductions to the budget during the next school year, but such changes will depend upon the cuts made by the state.

“I know this is sobering news, but it’s important you be kept aware of what we are facing,” said Baker. “I am confident that by working together our community and our educators will preserve our highly- regarded educational program.”

Rosenblatt remained optimistic throughout the day, as he anticipated the results and was confident the measure would pass.

“It took a lot of work on the part of hundreds of volunteers to the campaign—people who are obviously very passionate about preserving excellent education in San Carlos,” he said.