HARVEY – Harvey Public Schools has announced the recent referendum for a school bond and addition proposal did not pass.

Superintendent Robert Lukens said in a news release that despite robust efforts to involve the community and advocate for the initiative, the results from the special election held on Thursday showed the opposition captured the majority, with 60% of voters against the proposal and 40% in favor. A total of 1196 votes were cast in the first bond vote in the district since 1967.

“The voters have spoken. As a community and school district, we now have a direction to work from. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this vote possible. We will move forward as a district and continue to plan for the future,” Lukens said.

The failed $23.5 million plan was designed to unify the K-12 educational facilities into one comprehensive campus, enhancing security with a new entrance and modern safety systems and adding new elementary classrooms and a gymnasium. The bond would have added an additional millage of 73.17 mills, equal to $73.17 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation for the first taxable year.