Over 1,200 voters turn out for special school election

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Henning School District voters rejected a school building referendum for the second time in just six months on Tuesday, May 9. If approved by district voters the two-part referendum would have brought approximately $27.1 million in maintenance and enhancements projects to the school.

  Over 1,200 voters cast a ballot for the two-part question. The unofficial results on Tuesday night showed voters rejected the first question by a margin of 739-497. Voters rejected the second question by a margin of 765-470.

  “We are disappointed by the results of the referendum, but thank everyone who made their voices heard at the polls,” said Superintendent Melissa Sparks. “We will continue working with our community to explore ways to address the continued needs of our building.”

  The first question sought $22.7 million to build a dedicated cafeteria and commons area, a new controlled main entrance, and an addition for career and technical education, in addition to the completion of a range of deferred maintenance. It would also have completed renovations to classrooms and restrooms, replaced flooring in the gym and updated the school’s performing arts space.

  The second question sought $4.35 million to construct a multi-purpose gymnasium. 

  According to a press release from the Henning School District, the school board and administration remain committed to student success and will take time to asses the impact of the election results before re-engaging the community on how to move forward. 

  “This doesn’t change our commitment to our students and community,” said Henning School Board Chair Reed Reinbold. “We will continue to provide students with a high-quality education with the help of input from our community.”

  In November the first question of an expansive school building referendum that would have addressed everything from enhancing elementary classrooms to creating a new entrance at the back of the school and improving indoor air quality failed by just 26 votes. A second question that included repairs to bathrooms and constructing a new gym failed by just 91 votes.

According to records found in The Henning Advocate, this was the 10th building project being put forward to voters in the Henning School District. Voters have approved the building expansion and construction plan in six of those levy’s. Many times voters passed the measures by a wide margin, but this is the second time in a row that a referendum has been denied by a majority of voters in the school district.