Carl Junction voters turned out to cast their votes Tuesday, Nov. 3, approving the issuance of $1 million in bonds to fund improvements to the local school district.

Carl Junction Superintendent Dr. Phil Cook explained the school placed the matter on the ballot in order to take advantage of federal stimulus money to make needed repairs and improvements throughout the school. The state received $140 million in federal funds, which will be distributed to districts throughout the state in the form of interest-free loans, with each qualifying district receiving a share.

The district will use the funds to make repairs and improvements throughout the district, including replacing heating and air conditioning at one of the district's K-1 building. Projects also will be making bathroom upgrades and expansions in the Primary 2-3 building and upgrading to energy efficient lighting systems in two of the buildings. The roof of the intermediate building will be replaced and air conditioning installed in one of the intermediate gymnasiums. The funds will also allow improved access to the vocational agriculture facilities, pay for track resurfacing, paving the bus facility, installing signage on the main campus and adding a covered bus bay.

Cook said before the election that the bonds would allow the district to make needed repairs and improvements rather than having to postpone much of the needed work. Cook said in light of the uncertainty with the state's budget, it is uncertain what cuts may be made in state funding. He said this will prevent the school from having to pull more money from the operating funds to make improvements at this time. Instead, the debt will roll into the school's debt schedule.

Jasper County totals showed, overwhelming support for the issue, with 741 voting in favor and 312 voting against. That translates to a 70.37 percent vote favoring the issue in Jasper County; that tally was expected to overwhelm any Newton County vote. The bond issue required a 57.14 percent margin or supermajority as a long term debt.