Tax hike would pay for teacher pay raises

San Francisco teachers and school officials Wednesday submitted more than 16,000 signatures to place a parcel tax on the June ballot that would raise around $50 million a year toward teacher salaries.

Intended to help address a teacher shortage driven by high housing prices, the 20-year parcel tax measure would generate funds for teachers, paraeducators and other district positions, professional development and technology for digital teaching and learning tools.

The parcel tax has the backing of elected officials including the school board and Mayor Mark Farrell:

“Investing in teachers is simply the best thing we can do as a city in San Francisco. … As a parent raising children in San Francisco, I can’t begin to explain the impact teachers have on their lives.”

School Board President Hydra Mendoza-McDonnell said the loss of teachers has a “grave impact on our students.” “In order to retain and recruit teachers, they have to be paid a living wage,” Mendoza-McDonnell said.

The proposed parcel tax is set at $298 for eligible properties, with some exemptions available, and would be effective through 2038.