Los Rios college bond measure trailing in multiple Sacramento-area counties

A bond measure that would modernize facilities and labs at Sacramento-area community colleges was trailing in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties, but slightly ahead in Yolo County in early returns posted Tuesday. Overall, the measure was still behind as of Wednesday morning.

Measure E – to fund improvements in the Los Rios Community College District – had 51 percent approval in Sacramento, 33 percent in El Dorado, 19 percent in Placer and 64 percent in Yolo by 7 a.m. Wednesday. The vote total for those counties had the measure trailing 48 percent to 52 percent. The measure needs 55 percent to pass.

Los Rios Associate Vice Chancellor Gabe Ross said it’s too soon to call.

If Measure E passes, $650 million of locally controlled funds will go towards repairing and upgrading classrooms and labs throughout all four Los Rios Community College District campuses. There will also be more technology upgrades and resources to ensure career readiness.

At least one third of the district’s facilities are at least 40 years, according to Los Rios Chancellor Brian King. The college district already identified more than a dozen buildings that need modernization at its four campuses.

“We have done a great job spending the taxpayers’ dollars wisely, we have had clean audits and we have a bond oversight committee comprised of citizens across the region, and they have confirmed that money is being spent as promised,” King said previously to The Sacramento Bee.

The Los Rios district serves more than 75,000 students each year across five counties at Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, Cosumnes River College and American River College.

“More students started higher education at our community colleges than all other schools in the region combined,” King said. “We know that our students need that first-class, high-quality experience to start their college career.”

The last bond for community college upgrades approved by voters was in 2008. Some facilities were upgraded with the $475 million bond, which allowed for renovations and new buildings at Folsom Lake College and new centers in Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova.

College district officials say the money from that bond has been spent or already designated to fund projects.

Passing the measure would not increase property taxes, only extend them. Funds may not be used for teacher or administrator salaries.

This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 9:00 PM.