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October 14, 2009

Gore school bond issue will not go to voters

By Cathy Spaulding

The Gore Board of Education has canceled a November bond election that would have sought voter approval for a new gymnasium.

Gore School Superintendent Keith Kincade said the board approved the cancellation at its meeting Monday. The election, which had been set for Nov. 3, had sought voter approval of $2.9 million to build a new gymnasium and multi-purpose building for the high school.

“With the politics at this time and the atmosphere in the community, we didn’t think that it would pass,” Kincade said.

He said the $2.9 million bond election would have raised the ad valorem tax rate.

The district faces looming budget cuts and deficits. In September, the Gore school board shortened the school week to four days, with no classes on Mondays. At the time, Kincade said the district could save $350,000.

The district also has cut 11 support positions, particularly in maintenance and food service, Kincade said. The district has not cut any bus drivers or bus routes, he said.

Kincade said at the September board meeting that the bond election would be canceled.

Sequoyah County Election Board Secretary Kathy Webb said she was told about the possible cancellation in September. She said Kincade had notified the school’s bonding company then told the election board.

As a result, the election board did not print any ballots or make any other preparations for an election, she said. The district incurred a minimal cost, she said.

Webb said the Sequoyah County Election Board notified the Muskogee County Election board because some Gore voters live in Muskogee County.

Kincade said the district might have a bond election later.



Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email

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