Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Education

San Diego Considers Two Options For Proposed Parcel Tax

San Diego Considers Two Options For Proposed Parcel Tax
The San Diego Unified Board of Education will consider today how much it would tax district residents in order to offset several years of state budget cuts. It’s part of a plan for a new parcel tax.

The San Diego Unified Board of Education will consider today how much it would tax district residents in order to offset several years of state budget cuts. It’s part of a plan for a new parcel tax.

The San Diego Unified District wants to place a parcel tax on the November ballot.

The money raised would go directly into the school district and pay for the day-to-day costs of classroom instruction.

Advertisement

Trustees are considering two options -- both of which would charge property owners different fees based on the different kinds of properties they own.

Single-family homes would pay a flat fee of $98 a year. Owners of commercial and industrial properties could pay up to $25,000 a year.

Bernie Rhinerson is a district spokesman who downplays criticism of the proposed tax as unfair.

“The proposal that is before the board is set at a level that is low enough so that it is affordable to most families and owners of real estate,” Rhinerson said.

San Diego Unified's parcel tax is expected to raise $58 million a year for five years. The money would go toward teacher salaries, math and science education and technology.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.