FAQ
Answers to common questions
All questions below are drawn from campaign planning documents and community FAQs.
What challenges are Redwood City schools facing?
Redwood City schools are facing planned budget cuts of more than $5 million next year, with additional reductions projected in future years. Recent cuts have already affected staffing, class sizes, and student support services - including guest teacher coverage, counseling support, and intervention positions.
What is the current district deficit?
Planning FAQs cite a $5.5 million deficit next year, with additional gaps projected in future years.
What is the parcel tax and why is it needed?
A parcel tax is a locally controlled funding measure approved by voters. It is a flat fee applied to parcels of property, and every dollar stays in Redwood City schools. The district faces rising costs, the end of temporary pandemic funding, and funding levels that do not keep pace with local costs. A parcel tax provides stable, predictable funding to protect classroom programs and staffing.
How will this parcel tax help?
The parcel tax is intended to stabilize school funding so the district can retain excellent teachers, protect academic programs, and support student services. It is designed to keep class sizes manageable and maintain strong programs in reading, math, science, arts, and technology.
What will the parcel tax pay for?
Planning documents indicate the parcel tax is being structured to prioritize teachers and classroom programs, including:
- Teacher recruitment, retention, and classroom staffing.
- Academic programs and instructional support.
- Student wellness, counseling, and student services.
What will the parcel tax NOT pay for?
Parcel tax funds are intended for direct student impact. Planning documents state the funds should not be used for administrator salaries, facility renovations, or unrelated contractor expenses.
Why is the district spending on facilities like solar panels instead of teaching?
Those expenses are typically paid for with restricted funds such as bonds or grants, which legally cannot be used for classroom staffing or programs. The parcel tax is designed to fund instruction and student supports.
Can the state or federal government take parcel tax funds away?
Planning documents emphasize that parcel tax funds are locally controlled and must be spent according to the measure language.
What is the difference between a parcel tax and a school bond?
Bonds fund facilities and infrastructure only. Parcel taxes fund ongoing classroom needs such as teachers, class sizes, and student support services.
Which measures are already in effect?
The district has existing measures that support facilities and limited operating needs. Here is a summary of active and recent measures, with what they fund and what they cannot fund.
| Measure | Year passed | Type | Status / end date | Annual $ (approx) | What it funds (plain English) | What it cannot fund / limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | 2012 | Parcel tax (operations) | Ended June 2017 | approx $1.7M per year | Core programs: reading/writing/math/science; attract/retain teachers; school libraries. | No administrators’ salaries (ballot framing); restricted to stated education purposes; senior exemptions; annual reporting and citizen oversight. |
| U | 2016 | Parcel tax (operations) | Ends June 30, 2031 (14 years starting July 1, 2017) | approx $1.9M per year (district estimate) | Academics and staffing: math/science/reading/writing; teacher recruitment/retention; arts/music; instructional technology; libraries. | Restricted to stated purposes; special account; annual report; no administrative salaries; exemptions for certain seniors/SSI/SSDI and tax-exempt public property; reduced if it jeopardizes state/federal funding. |
| T | 2015 | GO bond (facilities) | Repayment continues while bonds are outstanding (matures up to 40 years from issuance) | Bond total $193M (issued over time) | Facility improvements: classrooms/science labs; roofs; safety upgrades; facility repairs; equipment tied to facilities. | Facilities/equipment only (not teacher salaries or ongoing programs); requires project list; special account; audits; citizen oversight; no money for administrators (ballot framing). |
| S | 2022 | GO bond (facilities) | Repayment continues while bonds are outstanding | Bond total $298M (issued over time); ballot title references approx $16M annually while outstanding | Facility modernization: STEAM classrooms/labs; safety/security; HVAC/electrical; construction/acquisition of facilities. | Facilities/equipment only (not teacher salaries or ongoing programs); annual audits; citizen oversight; no money for administrators (ballot framing). |
How is this different from Measures S and T?
Measures S and T are bond measures that can only fund facilities and capital improvements. The parcel tax focuses on classroom instruction and student services.
What about Measure U?
Measure U is the current parcel tax. It provides limited operating support and is scheduled to expire in 2031. The new parcel tax effort is intended to address ongoing funding gaps beyond Measure U.
Has the district passed a parcel tax before?
Yes. Measure U passed in 2016. Measure W passed in 2012 and ended in 2017. A previous parcel tax measure (Measure H) was proposed in 2019 and did not pass.
I heard RCSD has not passed a parcel tax in 10 years. Is that true?
The most recent successful parcel tax was Measure U in 2016. The prior parcel tax was Measure W in 2012.
Why do we need another parcel tax?
Planning documents note that costs have increased faster than revenues, especially since Proposition 13 limits property tax increases to 2% annually while inflation has averaged higher than that over time. Nearby districts have passed parcel taxes over the last decade, creating a growing funding gap.
How much will the parcel tax raise?
Planning documents estimate the parcel tax could raise approximately $9 to $14 million annually. The final amount depends on the ballot language.
How much will I pay?
The amount is not final yet. Draft ranges cited in planning documents are approximately $98 to $254 per parcel annually. Parcel taxes are typically a flat rate per parcel for both residential and commercial properties.
Is the tax based on lot size or building size?
Planning documents note the proposal is expected to be based on building square footage, with exemptions for seniors.
How long will the parcel tax last?
The duration will be set in the ballot language. Comparable parcel taxes often range from 5 to 14 years.
When would funding start?
Planning documents indicate funding would begin July 1, 2026.
What majority is needed to pass a citizen-led parcel tax?
A citizen-led parcel tax initiative requires a simple majority (50% + 1) of votes to pass.
What is a citizen-led initiative and why use it?
A citizen-led initiative allows community members, rather than district administration, to craft the measure language and determine how funds will be used. This approach also allows for passage by a simple majority vote.
How does the parcel tax get on the ballot?
Planning documents describe the process as filing a notice of intention, collecting enough voter signatures, submitting them for verification, and then placing the measure on the ballot.
Will there be oversight and accountability?
Yes. Planning documents call for a citizens-led oversight committee, public reporting, and restrictions in the measure language to ensure the money is spent as promised.
How does the parcel tax address equity?
RCSD serves a high proportion of socio-economically disadvantaged students. A district-wide parcel tax helps ensure all schools benefit, not just those able to raise funds through private donations.
Why is the district short of funding if we already pay property taxes?
School funding relies on a mix of state, federal, and local sources. Planning documents note that costs in the Bay Area are higher, enrollment shifts affect state funding, and restricted funds like bonds and Prop 28 cannot be used for general classroom staffing and student services. Here is a recent funding snapshot:
- Total revenue: $140,886,766
- Per-student revenue: $22,201
- Federal sources: $11,286,294 (8.0%)
- State LCFF: $91,634,264 (65.0%)
- Other state revenue: $28,812,542 (20.5%)
- Local parcel taxes: $1,637,927 (1.2%)
- Other local revenue: $7,515,739 (5.3%)
Where does RCSD funding come from? What are LCFF and basic aid?
Planning notes and budget materials show RCSD funding comes from state LCFF allocations, federal support, and local sources like property taxes and parcel taxes. LCFF is the state formula that allocates funding based on enrollment and student needs. Basic aid districts rely heavily on local property taxes; RCSD does not receive enough local revenue to fully cover costs, so LCFF remains a major component.
What is Prop 28? Does it help?
Prop 28 provides funding for arts and music, but it is restricted and cannot replace general classroom funding or staffing needs.
Can the district pay for campaigning?
No. Planning documents note the district cannot pay for campaign activities.
Is my donation tax deductible?
No. Donations to political campaigns are not tax deductible.
How will the money be distributed?
The exact allocation will be set in the parcel tax language and guided by oversight processes. Planning notes expect committees similar to those used for budget planning.
How does Redwood City compare to nearby districts?
Nearby districts have passed parcel taxes that generate significantly more per parcel than RCSD. For example, planning notes cite Menlo Park’s parcel tax rate totaling $1,533.40 per parcel for 2024-25 compared to RCSD’s $85 per parcel.
Does the Redwood City School District cover all of Redwood City?
No. RCSD boundaries do not match city boundaries. For example, Redwood Shores is in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.
Which areas does RCSD serve?
RCSD boundaries include parts of Redwood City and surrounding areas, but not all neighborhoods within city limits. Redwood Shores, for example, is served by Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.
What is the difference between the City of Redwood City and RCSD?
They are separate entities. The school district has its own boundaries, governance, and budget, which do not align exactly with city limits.
What does the student population look like?
Student demographics snapshot (2022-23):
- Total enrollment: 6,346
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged: 3,781 (about 59.6%)
- English learners: 2,166 (about 34.1%)
- Students with disabilities: 927 (about 14.6%)
- Homeless youth: 108 (about 1.7%)
- Foster youth: 11 (about 0.2%)
- Migrant education: 50 (about 0.8%)
What are the district and city boundaries?
Enter an address to see if it is inside Redwood City, RCSD, or both.
Click a label above to toggle each area. City boundary from OpenStreetMap. School district boundary from NCES/TIGER (2023-2024). This map and search tool are provided for informational purposes only. Boundaries and street addresses may not be exact; please report issues so we can improve accuracy to webmaster@strongschools4rwc.org.
What is the Strategic Resource Alignment plan?
From the district planning materials:
- District Office restructuring and operational efficiencies: projected savings of $3,286,150 and reduction of 5.65 management FTEs.
- School-based reductions: projected savings of $3,009,700.
- Planning values emphasize protecting core instructional programs, maintaining student support services, and keeping facilities safe and functional.
Do businesses pay the parcel tax?
Parcel taxes apply to all taxable parcels unless the measure specifies exemptions. Planning documents assume both residential and commercial parcels would be included under a flat per-parcel rate.
Are seniors exempt?
Planning documents indicate the proposal is expected to include exemptions for seniors, with details defined in the final ballot language.
How can I help?
Donate, volunteer, and share the message with neighbors. If you want to volunteer, sign up via the Volunteer link at the top of the site.
How will the parcel tax benefit the broader community, not just schools?
Planning materials emphasize that strong schools help retain families, stabilize neighborhoods, support property values, and grow the local economy. A better-funded district benefits the entire community.
What happens if the parcel tax does not pass?
Planning documents warn that without new funding, RCSD will face continued budget cuts that can increase class sizes, reduce programs, and widen inequities.
How can I stay informed about the campaign’s progress?
Follow the website for updates, join the email list or WhatsApp group, and attend public meetings and events.
Are there other ways to help besides donating?
Yes. Volunteer for signature collection, communications, outreach, or data support. Sharing information with neighbors and community groups is also a major help.