On Feb. 25, parents and USD 259 citizens voted on a bond issue that would bring $450 million to schools district wide. The funding would go to repurposing and rebuilding some of the old schools that are in rough shape.

The official results are not yet in, but with a participation of about 13%, it appears the bond issue failed to pass. Some voters we spoke to thought there was a lack of information about the bond.

“No, I don’t think I was, but I voted yes anyway,” voter Julianna Gray said.

“No, it was kind of hard to find information. It wasn’t- I mean I got a couple text messages about it and whatnot, but you have to go and research it yourself, kind of,” voter Elena Wall stated.

Voters that have children or know teachers in the district seemed to feel more comfortable with the availability of information.

“Yeah, my daughter goes to seltzer Elementary, and they had like a gathering, I guess, of us, and answered questions about it…the message that came to everybody was that some of the schools wouldn’t get heated up enough, and that was super concerning,” Eduardo Resendes said.

“I know from her (his wife, a teacher) experience how some classrooms can be less than ideal for learning and temperature and such. Her classroom is either too hot or too cold,” An anonymous voter said.

Although the turnout was disappointing, those who came to vote felt it was very important.

“I don’t think those upgrades are ever going to happen unless this goes through,” voter Dwayne Johnson said.

“You can’t learn without having proper facilities, I mean, try going to the restroom and finding out there’s no toilet paper,” Resendes said.

“It’s important that my voice be heard,” said Lori Reed.

In the case of a definitive defeat, the students from the four closing schools will be moved to existing buildings that are also in need of repairs. The property tax rate is also set to drop in 2029.