PORT TOWNSEND — Fresh off the defeat of a close bond election to rebuild an elementary school and refurbish others, the Port Townsend School District board is preparing to take the next step.

As it stands now, last week’s bond measure will receive 59.06 percent approval from voters — less than a percentage point short of the 60 percent supermajority required in bond elections.

After a second count on May 20, a breakdown of votes showed the bond passing in most of the Port Townsend precincts, but receiving less support from precincts outside the city limit.

Final certification of the results is scheduled June 4.

Superintendent Tom Opstad informed the School Board at its regular meeting Tuesday.

“We need to take the next step,” Opstad said.

That step will occur June 2 when the School Board holds a workshop and decide what to do now that the $33.8 bond issue has failed.

The big question is whether the district will try again.

The May 27 deadline passed to file for the next election ending Aug. 19, but at Tuesday evening’s board meeting, the discussion seemed to indicate the board will consider putting the bond issue on another ballot this year.

“Donna [County Auditor Donna Eldridge] said the last election will cost us between $2,200 and $2,500,” Opstad said.

“It will be around $2,500 and $3,000 to file for the next one.”