School bond in Modesto still winning — barely

A $198 million bond measure in Modesto is still on track to pass, after election officials released the latest vote counts Tuesday, according to the Modesto Bee.

Measure L had  27,411 votes, or 55.5%. The measure needs 55% to pass.

Put forth by the Modesto City High School District, the measure would help pay for upgrades to classrooms, lab equipment, roof and plumbing repairs and other improvements.

The district has seven high schools serving 15,600 students. Most of the high schools are more than 50 years old and are in dire need of upgrades and modernization, supporters argued.

“Our high schools are at the heart of our community and prepare students to compete in top colleges and careers in today’s competitive global economy,” according to the district website. “To maintain high-quality instruction for local students, updates are needed to classrooms, technology and science labs so students graduate with the skills needed for competitive 21st century careers.”