Voters say no to additional school housing

The majority of local voters said no to a pair of school bonds totaling $1.5 million in Tuesday’s mail ballot election. Ekalaka Public Schools would have used the money to design, construct and equip staff housing on property the school already owns.

The Carter County High School district bond election for $750,000 failed with 370 votes against and only 119 for.

The Elementary School District #15 bond election failed with 287 votes against and 94 votes in favor.

Original plans when preparing for the bond election included building two separate duplex units, but no plans had been finalized.

The school presently owns three housing units, one of which recently became vacant after the resignation of Ekalaka Public Schools Principal Brian Purnell.