Solon voters approve; Springville voters reject school bonds

Solon voters strongly approved two major school projects, while Springville voters rejected a plan for a major expansion and renovation of the elementary school in elections on Tuesday.

In Springville, with 41 percent voter turnout, the community vetoed a $7.22 million bond to fix and expand the elementary school and for the ability to increase the tax levy up to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

'Hopefully that means there will be better community involvement and we will move forward with a better community plan,” said Deb Vaughn, of Springville, who advocated against the measures.

A 60 percent supermajority was needed to pass, but the yes side fell short with only 49.8 percent of the vote for the bond and 48.2 percent for the levy.

Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer said supporters would regroup and discuss the options moving forward. It likely will go back to voters, but when and the scope of the project will be determined after more discussion, she said.

'Im very disappointed the bond issue didn't pass,” said Rich Lorimer, a bond supporter from Springville. 'But, I respect the wishes the majority. Of course our elementary still desperately needs updating and renovations so I'm sure we will be heading back to the drawing board for a second try.”

In Solon, voters approved a $25.5 million bond for a new middle school and high school additions highlighted by a new performing arts center.

In a second vote, residents supported extending the physical plant improvement levy, or PPEL, at the voter-approved maximum of $1.34 per $1,000. That levy will be in place for a decade beginning on July 1, 2016.

Both measures passed with 71 percent of the 982 votes cast. The 21.46 percent voter turnout came despite a rainy Tuesday evening.

'The 71 percent, we are tickled and appreciative of the community turnout,” Solon School District Superintendent Sam Miller said. 'We believe a new middle school and performing arts center will provide the community and students great facilities for a number of years.”

Miller said construction is expected to take 15 months and be complete by fall 2016.