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Sherman Voters OK, Nix School Proposals

SHERMAN — Central School District voters passed a proposal for capital improvements to the existing building Tuesday, but rejected a second plan for new construction by a margin of nearly 100 votes.

Proposition No. 1, which carries a price tag of $3.6 million, was approved by a vote of 229 to 159. This project includes replacing the school roof; moving the offices to the main entrance; constructing a secure double door entrance; moving the library to where the current office is located; replacing sidewalks that have been crumbling; replacing catch basins, replacing the chimney; and replacing worn plumbing fixtures.

Proposition No. 2, which would have cost $2.2 million, was defeated by a vote of 236 votes against it and 142 votes in favor of it. This project would have entailed the construction of a new gymnasium, two new classrooms and a secure entrance at the rear of the building

The polls closed promptly at 9 p.m. and election official Jared Oehlbeck received the results and read them aloud.

Those present included Sherman Superintendent Michael Ginestre, Principal Bryna Booth, district Finance Manager Kim Oehlbeck, District Clerk Tracie Smith, Board of Education President Brian Bates and board member Colleen Meeder.

Ginestre said he had mixed emotions about the outcome, but the mission of the administration and board of education would remain the same.

“We are happy about proposition one passing. It allows us to do important work on the building to make it safe,” Ginestre said. “While we are disappointed in proposition two, it doesn’t change at all what we are going to do in our district to make sure our kids get the best education at all times.”

Ginestre, as well as the school administration and board of education had worked tirelessly in the past month to present the needs for both projects to the public through brochures and several presentations throughout the community.

Ginestre said he thought the outcome of the vote may have largely influenced by the impact the projects would have on the school tax levy. Proposition No. 1 is expected to increase the levy by .067 percent.

Both propositions together, however, were estimated to increase taxes by 5.17 percent. Based on a home assessed at $100,000, this translates into an annual increase of $46 for those without a STAR exemption; $32 for those with STAR.

“I think whenever you talk about taxes, people make a personal decision whether or not they can absorb that increase,” Ginestre said.

“Even though the results are not what we wanted them to be, we have a lot of people in the community who are very supportive of what we do.”

Meeder, who is also Sherman mayor, said she was disillusioned by the outcome. “It’s all about investing in our youth and our community,” she said. “The choice of the community was to place the taxpayer over the needs of the students. This wasn’t just an investment in our school, but in the community.”

Booth said that, while she was disappointed in the voter rejection of Proposition No. 2, she was grateful to the community for their participation. “I want to say thank you to so much of the community for coming out to vote,” Booth said. “I am very excited that proposition one passed.”

Booth said that, despite the defeat of Proposition No. 2, the district would continue to seek new opportunities for student growth. “We will keep pushing the boundaries to expand our offerings for opportunities for the students,” she said.

“The guidance department and myself have been dedicated to offer new courses and that commitment will continue.”

Bates said the board would accept the decision made by the people. “Our voters spoke, so we just have to go to plan B and keep moving forward.”

Ginestre said he and the board would gather soon to “let it sink in for a little bit and talk about the community’s reaction to the vote. The board and administration are committed to the vision of the school and to making sure our students are prepared for life after graduation,” he said.

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