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Following this week’s special election for two parcel tax measures which appear poised to fail to garner the two-thirds support required to pass, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Board of Education provided a statement on the results so far and county officials provided additional insight into next steps in the ballot count process.
SRVUSD Board President Laura Bratt said in a board workshop Wednesday afternoon that although the early results were disappointing, the district was continuing to hold out hope that the tide might change as additional ballots are counted, with certified results still pending.
“While we are disappointed with the initial results from the ballot returns, we are heartened to see that there was a strong majority who voted in favor of both measures E and F,” Bratt said at the start of Wednesday’s board workshop. “Reaching the 66-67% threshold is always a challenge for any election On behalf of the board I want to express our tremendous thanks for the support of the parents, our PTAs, ed funds, staff and community members who gave so much of their time and resources to support this election.”
She continued, “Not all ballots have been counted and it will be a few more weeks before the election is certified, so we can remain hopeful that news regarding Measure E, the parcel tax continuance changes for the good.” Once the results are final, if we face difficult questions and tough decisions, we will do so with Integrity and transparency. Again I want to express our deep gratitude to those community members who worked on the campaign and thank you for your reliable support for our local schools.”
According to an update from the Contra Costa County elections division Wednesday afternoon, 4,300 ballots remain to be counted – 2,750 that were received on or before Tuesday’s election, 1,300 that were received after Tuesday, and 250 that are damaged or otherwise under review.
The count as of election night saw 13,429 votes in favor of Measure E, the parcel tax aimed at replacing a previous measure set to expire next year, with 8,314 “no” votes or 61.76% in favor, and 38.24% opposed as of Tuesday.
Measure F, billed as a supplementary parcel tax aimed at helping the district contend with a projected shortfall in funds in the coming years, received 56.86% “yes” votes and 43.14% “no” votes.
In addition to being out by the approximately $1.4 million in funds allocated for the special election, the district is set to face greater financial challenges if either or both measures fail. The current parcel tax that Measure E was aimed at replacing has brought in $6.8 million annually, which is used to fund 56 teaching positions, according to a fact sheet from the district. Measure F had been projected to generate an additional $4.7 million in funding annually.
Elections officials are expected to provide the first updated ballot count on Friday at 4 p.m.
Residents have already passed several multi-million dollar measures in the past. Most of the money was spent on everything except the student classrooms until the final measure. Perhaps more competent board members are needed who can handle our money better. I voted Yes on all of the previous measures but have drawn the line at this point.