A $3 million bond referendum for the Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District (CR-B) missed the 60-percent supermajority needed to pass Tuesday by a margin of slightly more than two percent. If approved, the bond proceeds would have been used to construct a new agricultural and industrial technology building, a greenhouse, complete paving and drainage work and renovate vacated classrooms. Of the 414 ballots cast, 240, or 57.97 percent, were in favor of the referendum. Superintendent, Eric Trager, says it was disappointing to see the issue come so close to passing and they will be heading back to the drawing board.
Ultimately, the decision on what they plan to do next is up to the school board, and they met Thursday morning to discuss their options. Trager says one of their very first steps will be to identify why they did not meet the 60-percent threshold.
While the referendum did not pass, Trager says it was encouraging to see more than half of the people who voted were in favor of the proposed project. He does not know for certain if the board will support running a referendum again, but he says they do have the option of holding another one yet this year.
The voting tallies will remain unofficial until they are canvassed by the county’s board of supervisors. Bond referendums in the Audubon Community School District and in Guthrie County for a new law enforcement center were also held on Tuesday and approved by voters. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more on those elections in upcoming newscasts.
