CARMEL – Residents in the Carmel School District defeated a $25.4 million referendum Tuesday by a 142-vote margin.
Critical infrastructure issues along with library improvements at the George Fischer Middle School, Americans with Disabilities accessibility compliance and the replacement of an aging transportation facility comprised the referendum.
The proposition called for roof replacements in all five of the district’s school buildings in addition to making identified areas in each school such as stages accessible to provide equal opportunities for all as well as library improvements at the middle school.
The referendum also asked for public support to purchase land and construct a new transportation facility.
In Carmel and Patterson, voters approved the referendum by tallies of 334-293 and 240-158 respectively but in Kent, the referendum was soundly defeated by a tally of 618-883.
Superintendent Andy Irvin was troubled by the rejection. “Our Board of Education must now discuss this but roof repairs must be made and they will have to be completed through the operating budget which means cutting programs for it to work under our tax cap.”
A disappointed Irvin called the situation “very unfortunate for our students.”
Board of Education President Greg Riley also expressed dismay with the result but acknowledged “The people have spoken.”
