Voters in the Southern Boone School District approve bond issue and tax rate questions

Voters in the Southern Boone School District in Ashland on Tuesday gave their approval by wide margins to an $11.6 million bond issue and a tax levy to improve teacher salaries.

Neither will increase district property taxes, officials said.

The results are final but unofficial.

The bond issue to address needs at the high school required a 57% majority for approval but received a 73% majority.

The planned improvements include a new vocational and agricultural wing, two new art classrooms and a family and consumer science classroom. There also will be roof repairs and parking lot improvements. Work will begin this summer.

“We are incredibly grateful to the voters for their continued support of the school district by passing this latest bond issue,” said Superintendent Tim Roth in a news release. "As we have seen with previous bond issues over the years, this investment will not only modernize our building facilities but also make some much-needed improvements and repairs to the high school along with providing a safer learning environment for our students."

The tax levy received a 64% approval, though it required a simple majority.

It will be used to increase salaries for teachers and staff.

Roth in the news release thanked the community for its support.

"The passage of the levy transfer is a testament to our community's commitment to supporting our teachers and staff," Roth said. "By helping increase salaries for school employees, we are not only trying to support our staff but also investing in the future success of our students."

The operating rate increase will be accomplished with a 20-cent transfer from the debt services fund, with no increase in the tax rate.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckiney9.