Measure J inched closer towards possible approval, based on the latest election tally.

That’s the $32 million bond measure for Ripon Unified that would be used to upgrade aging facilities, classrooms, and technology infrastructure.

According to the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters office just released semi-official election results, Measure J saw a slight jump in support.

With 55 percent ‘yes’ votes needed, the bond measure now has 52.06 percent – or 4,491 ‘yes’ votes – in support, and 47.9 percent or 4,135 being opposed.

The earlier count from a week ago had 50.5 percent voters in favor of Measure J.

Election updates are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after 7 p.m. Click on to www.sjgov.org for the latest numbers.

Measure J is necessary for RUSD given its projected growth and to update some of the schools that were built 60 to 85 years ago.

Currently, about 3,300 students are at Ripon High, Ripon Elementary, Ripona Elementary, Colony Oak Elementary, Park View Elementary, Weston Elementary, and Harvest High.

Future growth includes the development of the Hat Ranch Property just north of town.

RUSD identified modernizing, renovating, replacing and / or expanding classrooms and other facilities among the Measure J project list.

That list also calls for replacing portable building with that of permanent classrooms, upgrading technology infrastructure, and making safety and security improvements, to name a few.