Brookland, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – The millage rate for Brookland Public Schools will remain the same as a proposed millage increase for the district failed.
According to unofficial election results, of 1,950 votes cast, 1,257 people, or 64.46%, voted against the increase, while 693, or 35.54%, were for it.
If it had been approved, BPS’s millage rate would have increased by 3.95 mills, bringing the overall rate to 42.48.
The millage would have funded various improvement projects across the district, including a new junior high cafeteria that doubles as a storm shelter, a cheer and dance practice facility, a new indoor athletics training facility, and a 12,000 square-foot community storm shelter.
BPS Superintendent George Kennedy said with the millage not passing, the proposed projects will not be able to be funded.
“We will have to come back together as a team and decide, as those projects will not be able to be funded at all,” Kennedy said. “We have to get together, make a plan, see what the board wants to do. But we’ll focus on day-to-day operation.”
Despite the results of the vote, Kennedy said he was thankful people got out and voted.
“[We’re] a little disappointed, but we’ll make it. We’ll be fine, Brookland will be in good shape,” he said. “I’m glad that people voted. I was glad to have the opportunity, and now that we see, then we have to go on and do our best for our students.”
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