What does a YES vote on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M mean?

Jefferson Union High School District would replace its 2018 parcel tax with a $98 per parcel tax for ten years, raising $3.4 million a year for teachers, counselors and programs at its six high schools.

What does a NO vote on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M mean?

Jefferson Union High School District's 2018 parcel tax would not be replaced with this ten-year $98 parcel tax.

What vote does it need?

Two-thirds of voters voting on the measure, as required for a special parcel tax.

Would I pay both this and Measure Y?

No. If approved, the new tax replaces Measure Y, and the district would stop collecting Measure Y starting in fiscal year 2027-28.

Yes, if they are 65 or older, own and live in the home as their principal residence, and apply. Seniors already exempt under the current parcel tax would be exempt automatically.

How many votes does Jefferson Union High School District Measure M need to pass?

A two-thirds supermajority: at least 2 out of every 3 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.

Should I vote yes or no on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Jefferson Union High School District Measure M — Parcel Tax Measure (San Mateo County)

Last updated Sun, Nov 8, 3:15 AM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026 · Only voters in this district

What it does: With funds that cannot be taken by the State or Federal Government and spent elsewhere, shall Jefferson Union High School District’s measure to directly support teachers and academic programs; expand / enhance career training and college preparedness classes; and hire and retain qualified teachers and counselors at Jefferson High School, Oceana High School, Shasta High School, Terra Nova High School, Thornton High School, and Westmoor High School be adopted, replacing the 2018 parcel tax at $98 per parcel for ten years (raising $3.4 million annually) with full public disclosure of all spending?
A YES vote means: Jefferson Union High School District would replace its 2018 parcel tax with a $98 per parcel tax for ten years, raising $3.4 million a year for teachers, counselors and programs at its six high schools.
A NO vote means: Jefferson Union High School District's 2018 parcel tax would not be replaced with this ten-year $98 parcel tax.
Needed to pass: A two-thirds supermajority: at least 2 out of every 3 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.
Left–right lean: Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Only on your ballot if you live in the Jefferson Union High School District.

Explained

Today

Jefferson Union High School District collects a $58-per-parcel education tax (Measure Y), approved by more than two-thirds of voters on November 6, 2018 for 10 years starting in 2019-20.
The district runs Jefferson, Oceana, Terra Nova, Thornton and Westmoor high schools and Shasta High School.

If it passes

A new education parcel tax of $98 per parcel would be levied for ten years starting in fiscal year 2027-28. The ballot says it would raise $3.4 million a year.
It would replace the Measure Y tax, which would stop being collected starting in 2027-28.
The money could be used only to support teachers and academic programs, expand career training and college-preparation classes, and attract and retain teachers, staff and counselors. It could not be used for administrators' salaries, benefits or pensions.
Homeowners 65 or older who live in their home could apply for an exemption (those already exempt from Measure Y would be exempt automatically). A citizens' oversight committee and annual reports would be required.

Example

Each taxable parcel would pay $98 a year instead of the current $58 under Measure Y, an increase of $40 a year per parcel, for ten years starting in 2027-28. (source)

Who would notice

Owners of taxable parcels in the Jefferson Union High School District, except qualifying seniors, and the district's high school students and staff.

How it got here

The district's Board of Trustees adopted Resolution No. 2025-2026/19 after a public hearing, ordering the November 3, 2026 election. The resolution says the district needs a local source of revenue to maintain its education programs.

Written by SpectrumVote from 1 linked sources (1). Arguments are each side's own, not ours; the official text is what you vote on.

Background

According to the impartial analysis in the San Mateo County voter guide, the Jefferson Union High School District currently levies a $58-per-parcel tax (Measure Y, approved by voters on November 6, 2018 for 10 years); Measure M would replace it with a $98-per-parcel tax for ten years starting in fiscal year 2027-28, raising approximately $3,400,000 a year.

The analysis states that owner-occupants age 65 or older may apply for an exemption, that proceeds may not be used for administrators' salaries, benefits or pensions, and that an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee would review spending.

The District's Board of Trustees ordered the election in Resolution No. 2025-2026/19, adopted June 2, 2026; the vote tally is blank on the copy posted by the County Elections Office.

As a parcel tax, Measure M passes only if at least two-thirds of those voting on it vote yes, according to the impartial analysis.

Put on the ballot by Jefferson Union High School District Board of Trustees, June 2, 2026 (Resolution No. 2025-2026/19); vote tally not shown on the posted copy.

From official source 1, official source 2.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M mean?: Jefferson Union High School District would replace its 2018 parcel tax with a $98 per parcel tax for ten years, raising $3.4 million a year for teachers, counselors and programs at its six high schools.
What does a NO vote on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M mean?: Jefferson Union High School District's 2018 parcel tax would not be replaced with this ten-year $98 parcel tax.
What vote does it need?: Two-thirds of voters voting on the measure, as required for a special parcel tax.
Would I pay both this and Measure Y?: No. If approved, the new tax replaces Measure Y, and the district would stop collecting Measure Y starting in fiscal year 2027-28.
Are seniors exempt?: Yes, if they are 65 or older, own and live in the home as their principal residence, and apply. Seniors already exempt under the current parcel tax would be exempt automatically.
How many votes does Jefferson Union High School District Measure M need to pass?: A two-thirds supermajority: at least 2 out of every 3 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.
Should I vote yes or no on Jefferson Union High School District Measure M?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
When is the vote?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the San Mateo County ballot.

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