Election 2017: BW bond issue barely passes

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The Big Walnut combined bond issue and permanent improvement levy barely passed by a 51 to 49 percent margin — 3,825 for to 3,682 against in the Nov. 7 election, according to unofficial results from the Delaware County Board of Elections.

“It’s gonna be close, but we’re cautiously optimistic,” said district Superintendent Angie Pollock. “This would be huge for us.”

She thanked volunteers for their tireless efforts, and the voters for their support.

Early results had the issue failing 52 to 47; and later, those numbers flipped before narrowing. Last year, Big Walnut went to the polls and lost.

If the results hold, the bond issue would provide a new high school and additional elementary school. ​It will also include security upgrades to the district’s existing buildings. The district has said it will be able “move forward immediately with construction and protect the quality that we expect in our schools.”

If the result holds, then the district will only need to seek renewal of the existing substitute levy. This would come at zero increase to residents.

In the race for the board of education, the results were Allison Fagan 3,907 (31 percent); Brad Schneider 3,603 (29 percent); Douglas P. Crowl 2,714 (21 percent); and write-in Liana Lee 2,188 (17 percent). The top three earn a seat on the board.

Countywide, 43,106 ballots were cast out of 135,778 registered voters. Steve Cuckler from the board of elections described it as “on par with typical off-year elections.”

By Gary Budzak

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