Although California persistently funds public education at lower levels compared to other states and countries, there are ways school districts and local voters can mitigate this gap.  Aside from charitable donations, there are basically two main mechanisms:  parcel taxes and bonds.

Parcel taxes

Parcel tax measures support school operations and staff.  In November 2019, local voters passed Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD) Measure I by 75%, in excess of the 66% required by State law.  In November 2024, local voters will have CUSD Measure N, a replacement for parcel tax Measure I, on their ballots – see additional information on Measure N (coming soon!).

Measure I allowed CUSD to renew its expiring $150 parcel tax for eight years (i.e., $150 per parcel of property within the CUSD boundaries, per year, through school year 2027-2028), raising approximately $1.6 million annually, with annual audits and independent citizen oversight, exemptions for seniors and others (e.g., adjacent parcels), no funds for administrator compensation, and all funds staying in CUSD schools.  

Annual reports, forms for property owners to file for exemptions, and additional information are available. 

Facilities bonds

Facilities bonds support school facilities.  In November 2019, local voters passed CUSD Measure M by 55.07%, in excess of the 55% required by State law.  In November 2024, local voters will have CUSD Measure K on their ballots – see additional information on Measure K.

Measure M allowed CUSD to continue with an ongoing series of district-wide facility improvements (e.g., construction, modernization, repairs, and equipment) by authorizing the issuance of up to $99 million in bonds at a tax rate of about $52 per $100,000 of assessed property value, to be repaid over a 40-year period, and with annual audits and independent citizen oversight.  California law does not allow exemptions for seniors and others for facilities bonds.

Annual reports and additional information, as well as facilities updates, are available.

Oversight and Reporting

The CUSD Bond and Parcel Tax Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC) monitors district spending of funds to ensure alignment with ballot language.  The COC achieves this by reviewing expenditures and presenting a written report to the Board and public annually.  

Per COC bylaws, the Committee is comprised of one representative from the business community; one from a senior citizens organization; one from a bona fide taxpayer's organization; one parent or guardian of a child currently enrolled in the school district; and at least one member who has a child in the district *and* is a part of the PTA or school site council.

Qualified individuals interested in applying to serve as an at-large member of the COC may apply here.  Measure I annual reports are available in the ‘Bond Audit Reports’ and ‘Bond Sales’ sections of our Financial Reports page.  COC meeting agendas and minutes, as well as supporting materials, may be found in the table below.

Last updated: August 30, 2024