Nov. 7, 2024

Voters in the Hughson Unified School District appear to have given their support to a $46 million bond measure that would support major upgrades to the high school.

With 100% of the early absentee ballots and votes cast at precincts Tuesday counted, Measure B had 1,917, or 58.6%, “yes” votes and 1,352, or 41.4%, “no” votes. It takes 55% support for the measure to pass.

The totals are from a 1:17 a.m. update from the Stanislaus County Election Office. There still are an unknown number of absentee ballots that were returned since Saturday to verify and count.

Measure B would add $60 per $100,000 of assessed value to property owners’ tax bills once the bonds have been sold. 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

·         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.