Heather Elementary Home

Last week, we shared how bond funding supports our school buildings and facilities. This week, we’re taking a closer look at the other side of local school funding: parcel taxes.

Unlike bond funding, parcel tax dollars support the people and programs that directly serve students, including:
• Teachers and staff
• Core academic programs
• Student support services
• High-quality educational programs and learning opportunities
• Maintaining strong instruction across our schools

It’s an easy way to remember the difference:
Bonds = Buildings
Parcel Taxes = People + Programs

Understanding Local School Funding: What Do Bond Dollars Pay For?

As we look ahead to the upcoming parcel tax renewal, we want our community to understand how local school funding works—and why these two funding sources are not interchangeable.

Bond funding, such as Measure H, supports long-term improvements to our school facilities—including classrooms, roofs, windows, doors, HVAC systems and modernization projects.

You can see those dollars at work across San Carlos schools, creating safer, more comfortable and climate-ready learning environments for students and staff.

An important distinction: By law, bond funds cannot be used for ongoing expenses such as teacher and staff salaries or educational programs.

That’s why different sources of local funding serve different purposes.

Bonds = Buildings. Parcel Taxes = People + Programs.

Each month, our Spotlight on Excellence highlights a unique aspect of what makes San Carlos schools exceptional.

On September 10, we proudly shared highlights of HCT’s impact on students and introduced a tutor-student pair, who shared their personal experiences with the program. This year also marks the 30th Anniversary of HCT!