KELLY SCHOOL BOND ISSUE FAILS AGAIN

BENTON, Mo. -- For the fourth time in two years, voters in the Thomas Kelly School District have rejected a bond issue proposed to alleviate overcrowding.

The $4.9 million bond issue that would have been used to build a new high school failed by a vote of 1,068 to 1,048. Only 49 percent of voters supported the bond issue. A two-thirds majority, or about 57 percent, was needed to pass the measure.

The proposed issue would have increased the district's debt service levy by 75 cents per $100 assessed valuation to fund construction of 20 new classrooms to serve as a high school. The new facility would enable the district to move students out of six trailers currently being used as temporary classrooms.

"We'll take a look at what we anticipate for the next year and make a decision. It can be put back on the ballot as early as April, but I don't know if the board will want to do that."

Abner said voters have historically rejected bond issues for the school district.