Courtesy of Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

The potential measures hope to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars for facilities upgrades across both campuses.

A consultant-run survey from earlier this year among district voters sought to see whether any or some of three potential facilities bond measures had a chance of mustering the necessary 55% among registered voters. All three potential measures had an approval rating above the 55% threshold required for passage.

 A facilities bond would be used to upgrade classrooms and repair failing electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems at SHS as well as Los Gatos High. The five-member district board will decide whether to move forward and which approach to take in June.

In January, two contractors, TeamCivX and EMC Research, conducted a survey among likely voters to test the feasibility of three potential facilities bond measures on the upcoming November ballot. 

The survey tested three possible facilities bond measures: a $321 million districtwide bond, a $141 million Saratoga High facilities bond and a $180 million Los Gatos High facilities bond. Each school’s individual bond assessment was determined by the total assessed property value within the attendance area of each school

A total of 654 interviews were conducted from Jan. 12-27 through phone calls, emails and texts in both Chinese and English — 584 were used for the final survey.

The districtwide measure is in the strongest position with a 64% approval rate. The SHS measure followed closely with a 63% approval rating and Los Gatos High’s measure drew a 59% approval rating. Voters around the district listed basic repairs and updates as some of their top priorities. The report also noted that there was an average 3% increase in support when voters were informed of the project’s benefits and fiscal accountability measures.

 

Additionally, the survey assessed historical trends regarding voter sentiment. District ratings and the quality of education have remained relatively consistent with previous years; however, an increasing number of voters are concerned with the direction in which the district is going in and the need for money. 

 

 

Proponents for the bond have pointed out that some buildings at Los Gatos High are over 75 years old — funding would help replace necessary systems to avoid ongoing costly repairs. Voters also argue that the bond will be beneficial for teacher retention and recruitment. 

Passed in 2014, the last major bond measure, Measure E, led to the development of the music building, wellness center, staff lounge and engineering center on campus. Opponents want to see progress following the parcel tax from 2024 and argue the cost of living in the area is already high without additional taxes. Some voters argue that the district has already funneled funds toward upgrades at LGHS; they also say there should not be a need to pay now to have those same upgrades done at SHS.

Even with these negative sentiments, the poll showed strong support for potential bond measures on the November ballot.