A handful of Nebo voters gave their overwhelming approval to future school construction and projects by passing a $30 million bond Tuesday.
Only 9 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in the special election; more than 80 percent were in favor of bonding for construction projects in the Nebo School District. The final vote was 1,986, or 81.5 percent, in favor and 452, or 18.5 percent, opposed.The bond is necessary because of the district's unprecedented growth, district officials said. District enrollment increased by 700 students last year, the biggest jump ever, said Errol Smith, financial director for the district.
Because of that, district officials had anticipated an easy win, Smith said.
"We have had no organized opposition, neither have we had any letters of opposition, which has really confused us," he said Tuesday while voting continued.
Repaying the bond requires a 4 mill property-tax increase. The new levy raises the school portion of property tax on a $100,000 home to $617.44, an increase of $54.40.
The $30 million will pay for one new middle school, two new elementary schools, annexes to two high schools, additions to the elementary schools in Springville and Springville middle school, renovations to one high school and one elementary school and several miscellaneous renovation projects.
Construction committees have already been assigned, Smith said, and the new projects will begin "as soon as possible." Actual construction should start by fall, he said.
If the bond had not passed, the district may have had to try such things as year-round school, more portable classrooms or doubling up on classes, Smith said.
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Additional Information
Building Priority List
Nebo School District
New Spanish Fork Middle School
$9 million
New elementary school for Woodland Hills, Salem and Elk Ridge area
$4 million
Springville Middle School addition
$2.5 million
Springville High School annex
$1.5 million
Payson High School annex
$1.5 million
Springville elementary school additions
$3 million
Taylor Elementary School renovation
$1 million
New Spanish Fork-area elementary school
$4 million
Landmark High School renovation
$1.5 million
Various other school renovations
$2 million