Poll shows district‑wide bond starts above 55% support; board authorizes vetting phase

Consultants from EMC and Team Civics told the Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District board that recent polling of likely voters shows a feasible path for a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot. The survey tested three configurations — a district‑wide bond and two SFID (School Facilities Improvement District) variations — and found initial support above the 55% threshold in all splits, with a district‑wide question starting near 64% support in the field test.

Jessica of EMC reviewed methodology and detailed findings, saying voters prioritized urgent repairs such as leaky roofs, failing plumbing and restrooms, and heating/cooling system upgrades. Jeremy Houser of Team Civics recommended proceeding to a vetting and outreach phase and advised favoring a district‑wide measure over two SFIDs, citing cost and legal complexity associated with creating SFIDs.

Trustees asked about timing, fairness between Saratoga and Los Gatos, legal steps for creating SFIDs and the August 7 ballot‑qualification deadline. Staff and consultants said the board did not need to make a final selection tonight but should provide direction on whether to pursue district‑wide versus SFIDs by the end of the school year to meet legal deadlines. Trustees then moved and seconded a motion to move the bond work into the next phase (community vetting, messaging and stakeholder outreach); the motion passed on a roll call.

Consultants said messaging that emphasizes urgent building repairs and accountability language performed best in polling, and that support generally held above 55% even after exposure to typical opposition arguments. Staff will return with additional budget, timing and project‑level information as the vetting phase proceeds.