BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) Baxter Springs voters easily approved an $8 million bond issue to expand the city’s schools.
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s special election showed the bond issue passed by a 63 percent to 37 percent margin.
The Joplin Globe reports the bond issue will finance new additions at Baxter Springs High School, Central Elementary and Lincoln Elementary. It also will add storm shelters at two schools.
The new additions will eliminate the need to use Baxter Springs Middle School as a school. The 1918 building currently houses sixth through eighth grades.
The bond issue will require a property tax increase of 9 mills, to 51 mills.
Construction on the projects is expected to begin in January, with completion expected in time for the second semester of the 2013-14 school year.