Voter turnout was fairly high in the Stevensville School District mail-in election with 42% of the eligible voters voting on both a $9,745,000 high school bond and a $6,876,000 elementary school bond. The high school bond issue was defeated with 1,470 voting in favor and 1, 670 voting against. But the elementary school bond issue failed by just nine votes, with 1,132 voting in favor and 1,141 voting against.
“Obviously we are disappointed in the results, especially in the elementary school district when it was that close,” said Stevensville School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Moore. “I think that the need for the safety improvements and the deferred maintenance doesn’t go away, it only gets worse over time. So we have to find a solution to that. The School Board is going to have to discuss the direction they want to go as we move into the future.”
Coming out on top for a couple of three-year terms as Elementary/High School Trustees were Cathleen Cook with 1,123 votes and Sarah Armijo with 1,009 votes. Losing out were Allen Gates with 528 votes and Barry Mills with 507 votes. Running unopposed, Michele Brunson won a three-year term to represent the Lone Rock area as a Stevensville High School Trustee with 584 votes.
Voter turnout in Hamilton School District No. 3 was light at 26%. Three School Board Trustees were elected: Patrick Hanley with 1,256 votes; Tim Campbell with 1,222 votes; and Drew Blankenbaker with 1,048. Losing out were Jenica Burrows with 1,012 votes and Clint Burson with 880.
Mike in Stevensville says
I’m disappointed by this. People complain of schools not doing things they want schools to be doing, then won’t approve a few extra cents a day out of their pockets to help make happen what they’re complaining about in the first place. They’ll sure spend their money for their fancy designer jeans and new phone, though.