Voters said no to a bond issue that would have collected $72 million to construct a pre-kindergarten through 6th-grade school building.

The issue went on the ballot following multiple public meetings about what to do with the district’s seven schools that have an average age of 70 years.

Superintendent Amy Wentworth says even though Issue 8 did not pass, there is still other chances.

“It wasn’t the result we’d hoped for. Do thank everyone who voted and their voice matters and our community told us that they were not ready to take this step so we’re going to need to rethink what our path is, and we’re going to meet that challenge with determination and creativity and engage with the community and figure out what steps they do want to take.”

She anticipates more community meetings to take place since the district has two more chances to pass the bond to retain a percentage from the state.

Preliminary ballot results show the tax levy failing by over 3,000 votes.

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