Sikeston R-6 School District: Voters reject R-6 school bond issue

Staff Report

news@standard-democrat.com

BENTON -- Voters in the Sikeston R-6 School District rejected the multi-million dollar bond issue during Tuesday's municipal election.

In a vote of 2,905 to 1,536, Sikeston R-6 voters in Scott and New Madrid Counties struck down the $32.3 million general obligation bond proposal for school improvements.

A four-sevenths majority, or 57 percent, was needed for approval. Nearly two-thirds of the votes were against the proposal.

Sikeston R-6 Board of Education President Amy Blanton said she was extremely disappointed after hearing the results.

"The decision is pretty clear," Blanton said. "... We will regroup. The problem will not be going away so we will have to decide how we can put the issue back on the ballot."

Proposed on Tuesday's ballot was the new construction of a First and Second Grade Center at the existing site of Southeast Elementary, Third and Fourth Grade Center at the existing site of Lee Hunter Elementary, C Building on the high school campus and a multipurpose building addition to the Kindergarten Center.

If approved, it would have raised the debt service levy from 21 cents to 99 cents per $100 assessed valuation of real and personal property.

"The Board applauds the efforts of Rick Adams and Pete Burns for doing an outstanding job as co-chairs of the steering committee for the bond issue," Adams said.

She also expressed his disappointment with the election results.

"I feel saddened for our children," Adams said. "... I think this would've shown the city of Sikeston wanted to be a progressive city. I'm just sad for the kids."

These results, which were provided by Scott and New Madrid County clerks, are unofficial.