WELLMAN

Exceeding the minimum number required to pass by 109 votes, Mid-Prairie’s general obligation bond referendum won solid approval by voters who turned out at the polls on Nov. 7. The $8.7 million bond passed with 943 voting “yes” and 435 voting “no,” giving the district authority to proceed with a bond sale and bid letting for facilities improvements that include parking and paving improvements at the elementary schools and a new multipurpose wrestling/activity center at the high school.

Election results remain unofficial until completion of the second-tier canvass on Nov. 20-21.

“I am very excited about the continued support by our community for the safety of our students and to improve academic opportunities for both students and staff,” superintendent Brian Stone told The News after the school board meeting on Nov. 13. “To have 70% approval is really, really exciting, and it just once again shows the dedication from our community and the work the Facilities Committee did to move forward and decided that this was the direction that they wanted to go with the $8.7 million project. We’re really excited about the next steps.”

The district has begun taking those next steps, which include setting a timeline for bid letting and bond sale, and meeting with OPN Architects and Carl A Nelson to draw up design plans.

Business manager Jeff Swartzentruber reiterated the district’s commitment not to increase the property tax rate to fund improvements at the school board meeting.