Measure K stays ahead in tight race

This story has been updated to include quotes from Superintendent Dr. John Garcia.

DOWNEY - DOWNEY - Downey Unified School District’s Measure K managed to keep its head above water on election night, albeit barely.

The proposed $504 million bond for the upgrade and modernization of Downey’s public elementary schools stood at 55% of votes as of Wednesday morning, putting it exactly at its required threshold to pass and leaving little to no leeway.

The tight preliminary results should come as no surprise to DUSD, as a previous survey leading up to the Board of Education’s decision to put the bond on the ballot indicated a very close race that could fall either way.

Specifically, there was some concern that a currently poor economic climate might dissuade voters from supporting another bond at this time. Ultimately, the Board of Education opted to take their chances now rather than later, citing rising construction costs.

If Measure K is approved, it is estimated to cost average homeowners around $194 annually.

Superintendent Dr. John Garcia said the District remained “cautiously optimistic,” though did not anticipate having an official decision until possibly next week.

“I really commend our board of education for having the vision to put this on the ballot to begin with,” said Garcia. “Our board understood that it is not ideal economic times, they knew it was a big ask of the community; but the longer we wait, the more prices continue to rise.”

He continued,

“If we are able to pass Measure K with the support of more than 55% of the voters, it really demonstrates the ongoing care and commitment that this community has for its youth, and we don’t ever take that for granted in Downey Unified.”