With 2026 elections approaching, there is a petition to add a new kind of Parcel Tax on the Culver City’s property tax bills; based on the square footage – not, as has traditionally been the case, ‘per parcel.’ With a standard of 48 cents per square foot, this would have the ability to raise significant funds while providing some equity between (small) homeowners and (big) businesses. Will it garner enough support to be voted on?
The text for the ballot measure states that “The money raised by the tax is to be distributed to the Culver City Unified School District for purposes of funding educational programs and related services to students.”
Recent CCUSD School Board meetings have featured heated discussions over where to cut the budget and what to exclude in upcoming year.
Asking Culver City voters for a Parcel Tax has succeeded in the past, with the district getting a boost from Measure EE in 2010, and then Measure K in 2018, which ‘sunsetted out’ and was replaced by Measure O in 2024.
The twist of asking for a tax on square footage rather than by lot is one that has succeeded in other California school districts, including Alameda Unified School District, and Sausalito/Marin City School District.
According to EdSource, “Parcel taxes are one of the few sources that school districts can use to supplement their general operating budgets. About one in ten school districts [in the state has a parcel tax.]”
The current crisis having to do with Sacramento withholding funds is just one more dilemma for California schools. The local share of funding is typically 33%, with the federal government contributing only 6%. That leaves the rest up to the state.
School Board President Stephanie Loredo stated in August of 2025, “Salary and benefits comprise about 90% of our operating budget and the next round of cuts will have a substantial impact …as essential positions and popular programs will be considered. It is no longer a matter of careful planning and collapsing responsibilities; more cuts mean students will lose access to the very programs that make our schools desirable.”
While the dependence on student population and attendance, (ADA money) permit students are crucial to keeping both teaching and support staff funded. Demographic shifts in Culver City risk the closure of elementary schools. Asking the voters to agree to another parcel tax is one of the few options available to keep CCUSD operating independent of County oversight.
The full text of the proposal is as follows;
AN INITIATIVE TO AMEND THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENACT A SPECIAL PARCEL TAX TO PARTIALLY FUND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The proposed initiative measure (Measure), if approved by the voters, would amend the Culver City Municipal Code to impose a new parcel tax on all real estate parcels of $0.48 per square foot of improvements to be collected annually, subject to exemptions and a maximum tax per parcel. The money raised by the tax is to be distributed to the Culver City Unified School District (District) for purposes of funding educational programs and related services to students. If the Measure is approved, the Culver City Municipal Code would be amended only if the City of Culver City (City) and District enter into an agreement for (1) oversight of the use of tax revenue, (2) repayment to the City for expenses in conducting the election and implementing the tax, (3) an adjustment of the City and District constitutional appropriations limits, and (4) other administrative requirements. The tax would be collected annually from the owner of each parcel of property, at the rate of forty-eight cents ($0.48) per square foot of all improvements on the property, but the maximum tax collected from any single parcel would be $15,000 each year. The Measure includes exemptions for persons 65 years of age or older, or who receive supplemental security income for a disability or social security disability benefits. The money raised by the proposed tax will be used for teacher salaries, counseling and student support services, extra-curricular programs, and other instructional support. The money may not be used for administrative costs or outside contractor payments. An oversight committee composed of Culver City residents, including District parents, District staff members, a City representative, and at large community members will oversee and advise on the use of the tax money. The District will report on its use of tax money.
If the petition gathers the required number of signatures, it will be on the November ballot.
Judith Martin-Straw
