Voters in the Hughson Unified School District approved Measure B to issue $46 million in bonds for school improvements. Measure B passed with a 59.16 percent majority (2,337 votes) to 40.84 percent “no” (1,613 votes). To pay off the bonds at a rate of $2.9 million annually, property owners will see tax levies averaging $60 per $100,000 assessed value.

The money it raises will pay for a range of much-needed improvements on the Hughson High campus, including:

·         A new ag and science building;

·         Modernization of existing classrooms;

·         Heating, air conditioning, roofing and plumbing upgrades;

·         Additional restroom access; and

·         Safety and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades at the football stadium.

“This bond is so important for generations to come at Hughson High School, which has very old buildings,” said Superintendent Brenda Smith. “We have a top-notch instructional program with many extracurricular opportunities for our students. The enhancements that this bond would bring to our school will make it an even better experience.”

A campaign committee of community members worked over the summer and into the fall to generate support for Measure B. Committee members spoke at community meetings, sent out three mailers, created yard signs, leveraged social media and created a texting campaign.

“We appreciate the Hughson community for its support of our schools and look forward to sharing all of the amazing things that will take place because of their generosity,” Smith said.

Voters in the Keyes Union School District also approved Measure U for the benefit of school campuses. The measure passed with 70.27 percent (943 votes) in favor and 29.73 percent (399votes) against. The district will issue $8.5 million in bonds with the impact to property owners being approximately $29 extra per $100,000 in assessed value on their property tax bills.

Those living in the Keyes Fire Protection District overwhelmingly voted to support Measure H for a new fire station. The bond measure passed by a margin of 74 percent (1,295 votes), to 26 percent (455 votes). It enables the district to issue $7 million in bonds to build a new fire station and buy firefighting equipment. Keyes property owners will pay the annual tax needed to repay the principal and interest on the bonds at $29 per $100,000 of assessed valuation expected to be collected until 2055-2056. The estimated maximum tax rate is $38 per $100,000 of assessed valuation with a levy starting in fiscal year 2026-27.

— Journal editor Kristina Hacker contributed to this report.