Measure N, the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School Bond, Is Just Short of 55% So Far

by Chris Renois

Measure N would let the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District borrow $321 million to repair and update its campuses. A majority of voters supported it in the first unofficial counts. But it was still a little below the 55% "yes" vote that school bonds need to pass in California. Ballots are still being counted, so the result isn't final yet. Here is what we know, what the measure would mean for property owners if it passes, and the dates to watch.

Where the count stands

The first unofficial results came out from both counties shortly after polls closed on November 3. According to Local News Matters, 53.68% of the votes in those results were in favor. That's a majority, but less than 55%.

Later updates were close to that number. KQED's results page uses Santa Clara County figures. Its update at 7:28 p.m. on November 4 showed:

Yes: 6,825 votes (53.8%)
No: 5,840 votes (46.1%)

KQED's later update, at 5:24 p.m. on November 6, showed 8,526 yes votes (53.6%) and 7,356 no votes (46.3%), still short of 55%.

Santa Cruz Local showed a similar figure of 53.83% yes as of late election night.

All of these totals are unofficial. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters will still count:

Vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive within seven days
Ballots whose signature problems are fixed by voters before the deadline

Late ballots can shift a close race in either direction. With the measure about one point from the threshold, we wouldn't treat it as decided yet.

What Measure N would fund

The district has two campuses, Los Gatos High School and Saratoga High School. Local News Matters reports that together they enroll about 3,000 students. According to Wikipedia's entry on the district, its students come from four elementary districts:

Los Gatos Union
Saratoga Union
Lakeside Joint
Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary

Because the district reaches into the Santa Cruz Mountains, Measure N was on the ballot in both Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.

The county counsel's impartial analysis is reproduced on VoterDecoder. It says the district's project list may include:

Roofs, windows, plumbing, HVAC and energy systems
Electrical and technology wiring
Campus security systems such as fencing, cameras and emergency communications
Restrooms, pick-up and drop-off areas, and athletic facilities
Updated classrooms and labs

Bond money can't be used for teacher or administrator salaries. If the measure passes, the district must set up an independent citizens' oversight committee and have annual performance and financial audits.

What it would cost property owners

The district's tax rate statement estimates the levy at about $30 per $100,000 of assessed value per year. That would raise about $23 million a year. The district expects to collect the tax through fiscal year 2056-57. According to the county counsel, if all the bonds are sold, the total repaid with interest is estimated at about $690 million.

Here's a simple example using the district's estimate: a home with an assessed value of $1,000,000 would pay about $300 a year. Note that this is based on assessed value, not market value. Under Proposition 13, assessed value is usually tied to what you paid for the home. So long-time owners often have lower assessed values than recent buyers of similar homes. Actual rates can change from year to year. The analysis we reviewed doesn't say when the district would first sell bonds or when the tax would first appear on bills.

What supporters and opponents say

The ballot argument in favor was signed by:

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak
Former Los Gatos Mayor Sandy Decker
A retired local teacher, a Saratoga business owner and a local physician

They argue that some school buildings are many decades old and need roof, plumbing and system repairs. They say delays would raise costs, and that bond funds could help the district qualify for state matching money.

The argument against was filed by Mark W.A. Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, and retired teacher Craig Steen. They say:

A $99 million bond voters approved in 2014 also listed roof replacements.
Interest would raise the long-term cost well above the $321 million borrowed.
District enrollment is declining.

What this means for homeowners, buyers and sellers

Homeowners in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno and nearby unincorporated and mountain areas: If Measure N passes, expect a new voter-approved bond line on future property tax bills. To estimate your share, multiply your assessed value (not your Zestimate) by the published rate.
Buyers: Your assessed value will generally reset to roughly your purchase price. When you budget, include existing voter-approved bond levies and this possible new one along with the base 1% property tax. A lender can help you work it into your monthly payment estimate.
Sellers: A single bond levy is unlikely to change a sale on its own. Still, buyers do ask about total property tax costs, so it helps to have your latest tax bill on hand.
Small landlords: Rental property in the district would be taxed the same way. A tax professional can explain how the levy fits into your expenses.

Key dates

November 3, 2026: Election Day. Mail ballots postmarked by this date and received within seven days are counted.
November 25, 2026: Last day for Santa Clara County voters to fix unsigned ballots or signature problems, according to the Registrar of Voters' election calendar.
December 3, 2026: The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters is scheduled to certify results.

We'll keep watching the count and will update readers once Measure N's outcome is official.

Sources

Thinking about buying or selling in the Bay Area? Chris Renois can walk you through how these changes affect your home and your plans. Call or text (650) 512-9817, email chrisrenois@therealexperts.com, or get a free home value estimate.

This article is general information for Bay Area homeowners and buyers, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws, rates and deadlines change; please confirm details with the original sources linked above or a qualified professional. Chris Renois, California DRE #02030130.