Katy voters appear to be backing bond issue

Voters from Precinct 618 gather at the Harris County Pocket Park and Offices, to vote during Election Day in Katy. (Michael Paulsen Houston Chronicle)

With incomplete returns, Katy's $459.8 million bond issue appeared headed for a narrow victory.

Supporters say the money will help the west Houston school district keep up with population growth.

The bond money is earmarked for three new elementary schools, one junior high and a $137 million high school, the district's seventh. Renovations at five of the district's oldest campuses, technology upgrades and new school buses are also promised as a result of the bond package.

With 99 percent of the vote reported, 51.9 percent of voters had favored the Katy bond issue.

Political action committees formed on both sides of the issue in recent weeks. The opposition committee, Save Our Teachers, protested the size of the bond.