No votes hold commanding lead in C-I school issue

It appears the Crosby-Ironton School District's operating levy referendum will be defeated in Tuesday's election based on the partial precinct results.

Just before midnight with 12 of 24 precincts reporting, there were 2,029 no votes to 1,524 yes votes on the first question, which asked for an increase in general education revenue by $595 per pupil to generate about $900,000 a year for operating expenses within the district.

The results of the second question were 2,125 no votes to 1,408 yes votes. The second question asked for a $100 per pupil increase for maintenance expenses, generating an additional $150,000 a year. The second question was contingent on approval of the first question.

The referendum would have been applicable for 10 years and would have increased annually by the rate of inflation. The district currently has a voter-approved operating levy for $405 per pupil that expires at the end of the 2013-14 school year.

Last fall, C-I voters defeated a $495 per pupil levy referendum by a vote of 2,339 to 1,757.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.