The Gainesville School District suffered a tough defeat for the second time as the levy increase being asked for was voted down by 150 votes. In unofficial results from the Ozark County Clerk’s office, 54 percent voted against the measure, and 46 percent voted in favor.
School officials said the proposal, known as Proposition Gainesville Bulldogs, was needed because the last voter-approved tax levy increase in Gainesville was in 1993 – 25 years ago. Each year, they say they are underfunded by $1.5 million from the state of Missouri for transportation. That is money they have to make up locally to provide transportation for students.
Critical facility needs including roof repair, HVAC, kitchen and cafeteria expansion, furniture replacement, preschool expansion, accessibility and safety measures have grown due to limited resources and increasing costs.
Gainesville school officials say an increase in operating funds would have provided a much-needed update to facilities, including accessibility and safety improvements. Members of the community are invited into the facilities on numerous occasions, such as Grandparents Day, where 400 grandparents were fed last year, graduations, sporting events, parent/teacher conferences, class parties, volunteer opportunities, assemblies and more.
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