Voters in the San Carlos School District decide Measure K on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. It would replace the district's existing parcel tax with a new one of $489 per parcel a year for up to eight years, starting July 1, 2027, adjusted each year for Bay Area inflation. The district estimates about $4.4 million a year. It needs two-thirds of the vote.

Why it matters: Supporters say about $3 million a year disappears when the current tax ends, which they say would force teacher layoffs. The current tax is $334 per parcel, the San Mateo Daily Journal reported, so Measure K is an increase of $155 a year before inflation adjustments.

What a yes vote does

The impartial analysis says the existing tax, Measure N, stops being collected July 1, 2027. Measure K would start the same day and apply to every parcel that gets a separate San Mateo County property tax bill. It is a flat amount per parcel, not based on property value.

The listed purposes: attracting and keeping experienced teachers, small class sizes, science, technology, math, reading and writing instruction, hands-on science programs, school libraries, and art and music. The money can't go to administrators' salaries or pensions. It goes into a special account with a yearly report and an independent citizens' oversight committee.

Who can be exempt

  • Owners 65 or older who live in the parcel can apply.
  • People receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, at any age.
  • People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance whose income is at or below 250% of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines.
  • Owners already exempt from Measure N under a comparable owner-occupied exemption are exempted automatically.

Who is for and against

The argument in favor, signed by former Mayor Ron Collins, former trustee Neil Layton, retired teacher Vicci Mueller and others, says the renewal "preserves San Carlos School District's ability to fund and retain 24 teaching positions" and notes renters do not pay it. No official argument against was filed. A no vote lets the current tax expire on schedule without a replacement.

Also in San Carlos

City voters also decide Measure G, San Carlos's first sales tax increase. Every race and measure we've covered is in the Election 2026 guide.