Voters reject Nine Mile Falls School District bond for third time in two years

For the third time in two years voters rejected a proposed construction bond for Nine Mile Falls School District.

“It’s pretty clear that there is no appetite for a tax,” district Superintendent Brian Talbott. “It’s pretty raw right now.”

The $33 million bond would have paid for a new high school building. Talbott said the current building, which was built 25 years ago, is not safe and doesn’t have adequate facilities.

Only 48 percent of voters approved the bond, well short of the necessary 60 percent to pass. It’s particularly difficult to pass bonds in that area, Talbott said, because there isn’t much business infrastructure, putting the tax burden fully on individuals.

“I’m disappointed for the students,” Talbott said. “We’re limping along a little bit and our egos are hurt but in the grand scheme of things we’re above ground.”