The Keota Community School District Board of Education and Superintendent Dave Harper thanked voters Wednesday after a $6.4 million bond referendum fell short of the required threshold on Tuesday, November 3rd.
The measure received 53% yes votes. School bonds in Iowa require 60% approval to pass. According to unofficial results, the measure received 341 yes votes to 301 no votes in Keokuk County.
In a statement, Harper and the board said they respected the outcome.
“The Keota Community School District Board of Education and staff are grateful to everyone who voted on Public Measure ML bond referendum on Tuesday. The $6.4 million bond received 53% yes votes. Iowa law requires 60% approval for school bonds, so the measure did not pass. We respect the voice of our voters. Whether you voted yes or no, you showed how much you care about our schools, and we appreciate that,” the statement read.
The board said the needs that prompted the referendum have not gone away.
“The challenges in our buildings remain. Heating, plumbing, and safety systems in our 1958 and 1970 facilities are past their useful lives, and our secure-entry needs have not changed. The board will review the results, gather feedback, and think carefully about how to move forward. We want to hear from you, and we will share ways to do that soon,” the statement continued.
The district thanked those who helped educate voters about the plan.
“Thank you to the families, staff and volunteers who helped people learn about this plan. Your work was appreciated. Keota students will always come first. Thank you for continuing to support them,” the statement read.
For more unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, click here for Jefferson, Van Buren, and Keokuk counties.
