Measure N on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asks voters in the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District to approve up to $321 million in general obligation bonds to repair and modernize Los Gatos High School and Saratoga High School. It needs 55% of the vote to pass. See every local measure on our Bay Area Election 2026 guide.

Why it matters: the estimated cost to property owners is $30 per $100,000 of assessed value each year, collected through fiscal year 2056-57, according to the county counsel's impartial analysis.

What a yes vote does

A yes vote lets the district issue and sell up to $321 million in bonds, repaid by an annual property tax on all taxable property in the district, the impartial analysis says. The bonds would bring the district about $23 million a year.

If all the bonds are issued, the best estimate of total debt service, principal plus interest, is about $690 million. The tax is based on a property's assessed value, not its market value, so a home with an assessed value of $1 million would pay about $300 a year at the estimated rate.

A no vote means the district cannot issue these bonds.

What the money would pay for

The project list the district submitted includes:

  • Replacing or repairing aging roofs, windows, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and energy systems.
  • Upgrading electrical and technology systems and wiring.
  • Improving campus safety and security, including fencing, cameras and emergency communications.
  • Upgrading restrooms, pick-up and drop-off areas, and athletic facilities.
  • Updating and equipping classrooms and labs.

The Saratoga Falcon reports that the district's facility master plan, drawn up in early 2026, includes new construction at Saratoga High such as a new cafeteria, a larger front office in the old cafeteria space, updated math classrooms and a renovated robotics building with a competition field.

By law, bond money can't go to teacher or administrator salaries or other operating costs. If Measure N passes, the district must set up an independent citizens' oversight committee, complete annual performance and financial audits and file a yearly report on how the money was spent.

How Measure N compares with Measure E

District voters approved Measure E, a $99 million bond, in 2014, at about $18 per $100,000 of assessed value, the Falcon reports. It paid for projects including Saratoga High's music building, robotics room, wellness center and a staff lounge.

Who's for and against

For: the official argument in favor was signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, former Los Gatos Mayor Sandy Decker and cardiologist Dr. Anh-Quan Nguyen, according to the Falcon. Superintendent Heath Rocha told the student paper, "Residents of our school district have been paying the lowest property taxes specific to school facilities in the entire county."

Against: the argument against was signed by Mark Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, and Joe Dehn, chair of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County. They argue that Measure E was promised to cover many of the same improvements. Rocha responded that the last bond produced the music building, student center and wellness center, and that Measure N includes new construction as well as repairs.

Who votes on it

Only registered voters inside the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District boundaries see Measure N. Ballots must be returned or postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Other South Bay school and city measures we've explained include Gilroy Unified Measure M and Cupertino Measure L.