Gilroy Unified School District’s $295 million bond measure remains short of the 55% vote it needs to pass, the Gilroy Dispatch reported from early returns. KQED’s Associated Press tally, updated at 9:59 p.m. PT on Nov. 9, showed 10,490 yes votes, or 53.6%, to 9,060 no, or 46.3%. The results remain unofficial.
Why it matters: The Dispatch said Measure M would authorize the district to issue $295 million in bonds for classrooms, restrooms and other facilities, safety and security work, career technical education spaces, and leaky roofs. The ballot text cited by the paper said the tax would be about $59 per $100,000 of assessed value, raising about $18.3 million a year while bonds are outstanding, with annual audits, independent oversight, no money for teacher or administrator salaries, and all money spent locally.
The Dispatch’s election-night count, as of 11:10 p.m. on Nov. 3, showed yes leading with 51.57%, or 5,880 votes, already below the 55% threshold. The later KQED tally has a higher yes share, 53.6%, but still short of 55%. Both figures are unofficial until the county certifies the election.