Voters in the Jefferson Union High School District decide on Measure M on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It would replace the district's current $58 parcel tax with a $98-per-parcel tax for 10 years, starting in fiscal 2027-28, raising about $3.4 million a year, according to the county counsel's impartial analysis.

Why it matters: The district, which runs Jefferson, Oceana, Shasta, Terra Nova, Thornton and Westmoor high schools, projected a $6.5 million deficit for 2026-27 when its board placed the measure on the ballot in June.

What a yes vote does

  • Ends the 2018 Measure Y tax ($58) and replaces it with $98 a year.
  • Money goes to teachers and academic programs, career and college-prep classes, and hiring and keeping teachers, staff and counselors.
  • None can pay administrators' salaries, benefits or pensions.
  • Owners 65 or older who live in their home can apply for an exemption; those already exempt under Measure Y qualify automatically.
  • Needs two-thirds yes votes.

The case for and against

Supporters, in the official ballot argument, say the money "cannot be taken by the State or Federal government" and helps "attract and retain qualified, dedicated teachers."

The argument against, by Pacifica resident and public school parent Rahul Agarwal, says the measure is a tax hike, not a simple replacement. He notes voters have approved $399.29 million in district bonds since 2012 plus a separate $95 parcel tax (Measure Z) in 2024.

At the June 2 board meeting, the district said spending would cross $100 million in 2026-27, and its budget assumes the new tax passes, Coastside News reported.

More on our Bay Area Election 2026 hub, including Pacifica's Measure BB. Daly City voters: check our guide on stolen vote-by-mail ballots.