NOTE: This article has been updated with election results.

Ann Arbor Public Schools voters said no to annexing Whitmore Lake Public Schools Tuesday.

With 96 percent of the precincts reporting, 27,266 or 57 percent of voters had said no, while 20,240 or 42 percent said yes.

"It will fail," said Scott Menzel, Washtenaw Intermediate School District superintendent.

In Whitmore Lake schools, 2,732 or 72 percent of voters said yes, while 1,058 or 28 percent of voters declined the proposal.

Both communities had to approve the ballot proposal for the annexation to go forward in July 2015.

If voters had passed the proposal, Ann Arbor schools would have merged Whitmore Lake's 944 students, 62 teachers and three buildings with its 16,815 students, 1,200 Ann Arbor Education Association employees and 36 buildings. Ann Arbor also would have combined Whitmore Lake's $60 million debt with its approximately $175 million bond debt.

"We gave it a good shot," said Jim Vibbart, Whitmore Lake school board vice president. "We didn't connect as well with Ann Arbor voters as we hoped."

Whitmore Lake schools board members approached the Ann Arbor Board of Education in the spring to explore the possibility of sharing resources. The board members determined annexation would be the best outcome, and voted to put it on the Nov. 4 ballot.

STATEWIDE ELECTION RESULTS

Statewide election results by race:

* Governor

* U.S. Senate

* U.S. House Districts

* Attorney General

* Secretary of State

* State Supreme Court

Throughout October, both districts hosted informational meetings to explain the details of annexation and answer questions from residents.

The district also released an analysis of the tax impact for both communities and the cost of annexation.

With annexation, Ann Arbor taxes would have increased slightly and Whitmore Lake taxes would have decreased slightly.

Whitmore Lake Public Schools faces an uncertain future as it has declining enrollment and revenues.

Vibbart said Whitmore Lake schools leaders will regroup.

Ken Dignan, a Whitmore Lake school board trustee, said the board members will remain positive and do what they need to for Whitmore Lake students.

"We have given considerable thought to what happens if this fails, including looking at this issue again," he said. "I'm confident tomorrow will be a new day."

Lindsay Knake is the K-12 education reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Follow her on twitter or contact her at 989-372-2498 or lknake@mlive.com. Find all Washtenaw County K-12 education stories on MLive.com.