Measure M on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asks voters in the Gilroy Unified School District to approve $295 million in bonds to fix and modernize school buildings. The district estimates the tax at about $59 per $100,000 of assessed value, raising about $18.3 million a year. It needs at least 55% yes votes.

Why it matters: If it passes, Gilroy Unified property owners would pay the tax into fiscal year 2059-60, and the district puts total repayment, principal plus interest, at about $623.3 million.

See every local race and measure on our Bay Area Election 2026 hub, including Gilroy's other city question, Measure B on the hotel tax.

What a yes or no vote means

  • Yes lets the district sell up to $295 million in bonds over time, paid back through a property tax levy while the bonds are outstanding.
  • No means no new bond. Projects would have to wait for other money, such as state funds, developer fees or a future bond.

The ballot question says the money would go to classrooms, restrooms and school facilities, safety and security improvements, career technical education classrooms and replacing leaky roofs. It promises annual audits, independent oversight and "NO money for teacher/administrator salaries."

What it would cost you

The district's official tax rate statement gives a best estimate of $59.14 per $100,000 of assessed value on average over the life of the bonds. The highest rate is estimated at $60.00 per $100,000 in fiscal year 2027-28.

That rate applies to assessed value on the county tax roll, not market value. As an example, a home assessed at $600,000 would pay about $355 a year at the average rate, before the homeowner's exemption. The district notes these figures are estimates and are not binding.

What it would pay for

Gilroy Unified has 14 campuses. The project list in the measure covers elementary schools including El Roble, Las Animas, Eliot, Luigi Aprea, Glen View and Rucker, the middle schools including Brownell, Ascencion Solorsano and South Valley, and Gilroy and Christopher high schools.

According to the Gilroy Dispatch, planned work includes replacing portable classrooms with permanent ones, renovating parking lots and restrooms, modernizing classrooms and common areas, safety upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and new roofs and fencing.

The district's facilities master plan found about $958 million in needs over 10 years. Assistant Superintendent Alvaro Meza told the board a measure that large "would almost absolutely fail," so staff picked the highest priorities. He said the state provides about $332,000 a year for local facilities maintenance.

How it got on the ballot

The school board voted unanimously on May 28 to place Measure M on the ballot, after paying Isom Advisors $12,500 for a voter survey, the Dispatch reported. Gilroy voters previously approved a $150 million bond (Measure P) in 2008 and a $170 million bond (Measure E) in 2016.

Who's for and against it

The Santa Clara County Democratic Party recommends a yes vote on Measure M in its Nov. 3 endorsement list. District staff argue the bond is needed to keep aging schools safe and build career pathways.

We did not find an organized opposition campaign in the sources we reviewed. Several readers commenting on the Dispatch's June story said they would vote no, pointing to test scores and the overall cost.

Compare other school bonds on the ballot: San Mateo-Foster City Measure W and Burlingame Measure R.