by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The Belle Plaine School District voters turned down a proposal for a $12.25 million bond issue to go toward school building improvements.

The bond election was defeated Yes – 248, No – 324 with two undervotes.

There were 574 votes cast in the election. All results are unofficial until approved by the Election Board of Canvas on Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Voter turnout was 25.32 percent.

The proposal to voters included: 

•Storm shelters safe rooms meeting FEMA standards;

•Controlled access entrances will be provided at each school building;

•New additions to connect the high school and middle school;

•New elementary art classes;

•Replacing the aging old high school building;

•Replacing the special needs and elementary art building;

•Expansion of the middle school;

•Expansion and remodeling the elementary school.

The Belle Plaine school board and those promoting the school bond issue stated that the state will pay 56 percent of the projects and interest costs.

At today’s local interest rates and with 56 percent state aid, the 25-year bonds will require a 12.95 mill increase. The tax on the $75,000 home will be estimated at $9.31 a month, the brochure said. The facebook page for the bond proposal could be found here.