Middle School Bond Issue Fails by 141 Votes

Now what?

That's the question officials with Avon Local Schools face after a $32 million bond issue to build a new  lost by 141 votes Tuesday night.

Issue 11 -- a $32 million, 2.25 mill, 32-year bond issue to build the new middle school -- got 2,816 in favor but 2,957 against.

The vote is unofficial. 

Early absentee voting was harsh on the bond issue. It trailed by an almost 60-40 percent margin early Tuesday night. But as the night went on, the gap narrowed to less than 35 votes at one point, giving supporters gathered in the middle school library hope.

That hope was dashed around 11 p.m.

"We still have a challenge," school board president Kevin Romanchok said. "The kids are still coming, the need has not disappeared and we still have to address it."

Short-term solutions at the middle school will include taking common space such as the library to use for classrooms, Romanchok said. Other possibilities include trailers for temporary classrooms.

And in the long term?

"Even if we don't build new, we'll still have to ask for money," he said. "Not just for additions here but for over at Heritage ( and )."

Issue 11 narrowly failed in the November ballot. It would have cost homeowners an additional $38.29 per year for every $100,000 in home valuation.

Issue 12, the combination of two renewal levies, passed by a wide margin, 3,326 in favor to 2,471 against.

Issue 12 combined two operating levies set to expire. It would be for $2.5 million at 3.21 mills. As this is a renewal levy, there will be no increase in cost to Avon homeowners.

Passage of Issue 12 was a huge relief for the school board.

"That gives us some stability," said school board member Scott Radcliffe.

The combining of levies is part of a long-range plan by the to reduce the number of levies and thus how often school levies are up for a vote.

The next levy renewal is scheduled for 2016.

Issue 11

32-year, $32 million bond issue to build a new Avon Middle School

13 of 13 precincts reporting

Results are unofficial

Issue 12

10-year, $2.5 million combination of two renewal operating levies

13 of 13 precincts reporting

Results are unofficial