Area schools all pass bond issues; Cape school board member unseated

Voters turned out across the board for schools Tuesday, passing ballot issues in Chaffee, Scott Central Perry County and Oran school districts.

One incumbent on the Cape Girardeau School Board was unseated.

Tracy Curtis was the top vote-getter in the race to fill three spots on the board, taking roughly 22 percent of the vote.

Incumbent Tony Smee retained his seat, but not Philip “Phil” Moore. Instead, Jared Ritter was elected with 19.5 percent of the vote, edging out Melissa “Missy” Herbst by only 8 votes.

Scott County voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure granting a $1.75 million bond to Scott County Central School District.

The funds will be used to address safety concerns stemming from mold found in classrooms in the district. The district’s heating and air-conditioning systems also will be improved as part of the proposition.

The issue passed with 85 percent voter support.

In passing Proposition KIDS, Perry County voters authorized a 35-cent property tax increase that Perry County School District 32 officials said will generate roughly $300,000 annually.

The revenue is scheduled to be used to build a new elementary school and fund extensive upgrades at the middle school and high school.

The measure, which passed with just over 70 percent of the vote, will allow the district to borrow money without bonds.

Chaffee voters also approved a $1.1 million bond issue by 70-percentage-point margin.

The funds will go toward the transformation of an aging elementary-school gym into classrooms and storage space, plus the building of two additional classrooms.

Chaffee superintendent Ken Latham told the Southeast Missourian before the election the district is “just out of space at the elementary (school) even after adding two classrooms.”

A $1.035 million bond issue for the Oran School District passed with more than 80 percent support.

Among the improvements to be funded by the bond issue are roofing, bleacher replacements at the high-school gym, and heating and cooling upgrades.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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