Parcel Tax for Teachers Heads to SM Ballot

Backers say it could save 73 SMMUSD teachers; opponents note the district's substantial reserves.

July 29, 2026 · Santa Monica

Santa Monica voters will decide in November whether to tax themselves $495 per parcel, every year, to fund the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

The ballot addition comes after a citizens' initiative garnered more than 7,000 signatures, legally requiring the city council to place it on the ballot.

The measure concerns a quiet arrangement now in jeopardy. For years, the city has been handing the [district roughly $12 million a year](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-general-fund-reaches-structural-balance-as-city-unveils-909m-spending-plan/) in unrestricted general funds. But with Santa Monica still climbing out of a fiscal crisis, the city's finance director has reportedly warned that those funds may not survive next year's budget.

Proponents say losing it equals cutting the equivalent of 73 of the district's roughly 400 teachers

"Approximately one less teacher in every grade in every school," one organizer said, at last week’s Santa Monica City Council meeting.

Opponents came armed with different numbers. One homeowner pointed out the district holds $84 million in reserves, while calculating his own school-related taxes would approach half his base property tax bill if the measure passes.

Records indicate the district's reserves are [closer to $52 million.](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-malibu-school-district-maintains-positive-financial-outlook-despite-growing-deficit/)