St. Joseph Voters Approve PACT's School Bond Measure
By: Robert Lowrey
Updated: April 3, 2012
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The St. Joseph School District celebrated a win at the polls Tuesday night.
The $42 million bond issue passed with more than 65 percent of the vote.
More than 8,000 voters backed the initiatitive that PACT - or Planning A Course Together - helped cultivate through community feedback.
The measure allows the St. Joseph School District to use $42 million in obligation bonds to improve facilities and construct two new elementary schools.
Superintendent Dr. Melody Smith said the support brings relief after a sleepless night.
"I have slept well until last night, and I don't really remember last night except that my eyes were wide open," she said during a watch party at the St. Joseph Metro Chamber Tuesday.
After voters helped push the measure through, Smith said the lack of sleep was worth it.
"Our community spoke," she said. "They said, 'yes, let's build two schools and let's a/c those elementary schools and it's just the first step. Let's move forward'."
Supporters for the bond issue slowly started to fill the Chamber shortly after the polls closed at 7 p.m.
As the numbers rolled in, a room full of chatter quickly turned to cautious optimism and silence. Slowly, good news for the bond issue showed on the screen.
A loud cheer celebrated success with a final vote of 8,145 to 4,292.
Opponents of the school bond issue also reacted to the win.
Kenneth Reeder has been one of the most vocal adversaries.
In a statement Tuesday Reeder said, "As watchdogs for the taxpayer's money, it is a constant war. We dont look at it as setback. We were honored to fight for the taxpayer. We've opened a slippery slope, and they're going to be back on our doorstep asking for more money. We will continue whole-heartedly fighting the battle."
Reeder and the Freedom PAC spent around $30,000 opposing the bond.
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