Voters pass second consecutive school bond

Although principal Sue Keema had been reluctant to predict the outcome of Tuesday's school bond election, she felt confident in predicting her school's reaction today.

Voters approved the $3.75 million bond issue to build a permanent addition to Bordewich-Bray Elementary School. It is the second school bond to pass in as many elections.

"Everybody will be so excited," she said. "The students will be excited because their teachers will be excited."

Because an $18 million bond was approved in 2000 for general school repairs, officials were cautious about this year's results.

"I am so relieved," said Carson City School District Superintendent Mary Pierczynski after learning the bond was approved with 60.5 percent of the vote. "I want to thank Carson City voters for supporting the kids again."

School board president Bob Crowell was delighted with the news.

"Good message, good people and a great community," he said.

School district Director of Operations Mike Mitchell said he will stick closely to the same protocol used to carry out the 2000 bond by first selecting a bond oversight committee made up of community members.

"I think that was key to keeping the public informed and having impartial critical analysis of our process," he said. "It worked. We'll do it again."

The committee's first order of business will be to select an architect and plans will follow from there, Mitchell said.

The addition will replace five portable buildings which were destroyed after they were found to be infested with toxic mold last year.

Classes will be moved from the Bray Building into the new school. The Bray Building will be used to house student support services, currently at Seeliger Elementary School, and the preschool program, which is now at the Gleason Complex.

Although the Bray Building will no longer be a part of the school's campus, the school will retain the name in honor of longtime Carson City teacher Mildred Bray.

Carson City Question 2

School Bond

YES: 10,602 - 60.5 percent

NO: 6,090 - 34.8 percent