Early returns show voters leaning in favor of the Salt Lake City School District’s $730 million bond proposal, which would fund key upgrades for West and Highland high schools.
As of 10:23 p.m., the first round of early returns indicated 60.54% supported the measure, while 39.46% opposed.
The bond would fund critical upgrades at West and Highland high schools.
Both high schools require significant renovations and aren’t currently meeting the needs of “21st-century students,” district officials have argued.
Should the bond pass, it would lead to an estimated annual property tax increase of about $220.80 for residents, based on the average home value of $576,000, according to the bond proposal.
However, the exact increase would vary depending on individual home values, said district spokesperson Yándary Chatwin. Homeowners could expect to pay roughly $38.33 more in annual property taxes for every $100,000 of their home’s value.
Several rebuild options for both high schools are being considered, but the Salt Lake City Board of Education has been holding off on final decisions pending the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
Leading up to the general election, the district hosted several open houses for community members and parents to learn more about the bond.
Along with rebuilding West and Highland high schools, the bond would also finance an athletic field house at East High School and sustainability initiatives at various campuses throughout the district.
