Board Approves $40M Jefferson HS Build-Back, Eyes $98 Parcel Tax for 2026 Ballot

The Jefferson Union High School District Governing Board packed a full agenda into its Jan. 13 meeting, advancing a major construction milestone, authorizing staff reductions tied to declining enrollment, and signaling a push to nearly double the district's parcel tax rate. Operating with just three of five seats after Trustee Cho's resignation, the board also heard a standout presentation on Terra Nova High School's pioneering cell phone ban — and the early data suggesting it's working.

• $40.2M contract amendment approved for Jefferson HS gym, pool and theater build-back, bringing total project cost to ~$73M

• Board targets $98 parcel tax on the November 2026 ballot, up from the current $58 rate, after survey shows strong voter support

• Three staff reduction resolutions pass affecting cafe workers and adult education employees amid declining enrollment

• Terra Nova's Yondr cell phone ban shows dramatic results after one semester: higher work completion, longer attention spans, only 12 freshmen failing any class

• Trustee Cho vacancy triggers 60-day appointment clock; applications due Feb. 13, interviews set for March 7

• Clean financial audit accepted with no fraud, no deficiencies and one minor compliance finding

Why it matters: The district's five-member governing board is now operating at three members — a bare quorum — after Trustee Cho formally notified the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools on Jan. 12 that he had moved outside district boundaries. Every vote until the seat is filled will require unanimity among the remaining members.