Argument For Measure T

VOTE YES on  Measure T  WITHOUT RAISING LOCAL TAX RATES, to continue protecting the quality of education in local high schools, attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers, and helping local students get college- and career-ready.   

Our local high schools – Harbor,  Santa Cruz, and Soquel High Schools, and Branciforte Small Schools   - work hard with students from Santa Cruz, Soquel, Live Oak, Capitola, Bonny Doon, Davenport, Happy Valley and surrounding communities, to prepare them for success in college, careers and life.  Advanced courses and enrichment in math, science, technology, the arts, and career training help make that possible. 

High school students and teachers thrive here thanks in part to two local parcel taxes that voters have repeatedly renewed over the years.  Now, Measure T’s goal is to extend and simplify by combining (NOT increasing) these two vital funding streams into one dependable funding source. 

Measure T WON’T increase your tax rate.  VOTING YES simply continues previously approved, locally controlled funding, keeping your overall tax rate FLAT.

Measure  T continues:

• Preserving Career Technical Education (ROP) programs
• Providing technology and engineering educational initiatives
• Maintaining library and counseling services
• Keeping visual and performing arts and after-school enrichment programs
• Supporting athletic programs that keep students safe, healthy and engaged in school.

Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. By law, ALL funds go to Harbor, Santa Cruz and Soquel High Schools and Branciforte Small Schools ONLY. NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries. Citizens' Oversight, mandatory audits and public reporting ensure proper spending. 

Measure T provides an exemption for senior citizens.  

With or without school-age children, Measure T is a wise investment. Great schools protect property values and help keep communities strong. 


Teachers, parents, and civic and business leaders throughout our community URGE YOUR SUPPORT.

Please, VOTE YES on T - support local high schools WITHOUT increasing your tax rate.  Thank you!

www.friendsofsantacruzcityschools.com

Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Larkin Wilson
Harbor High Teacher & SCCS Parent

Geoffrey Dunn
Historian Life-Long Resident & Soquel HS Alum.

Christina Latham
Music Teacher, Band Director & former SCCS Parent

David V. Terrazas
SCCS Parent & former Santa Cruz Mayor