Prop C Fails in Mehlville Schools

School officials and supporters of Prop C remained hopeful after a rough start when the absentee ballots reported a 76 percent opposition. However, the mood quickly reversed and the watch party at Crusoe's ended shortly after results came in saying Prop C had failed in the .

After all 51 precincts were counted, 62.57 percent voted against the proposition with 37.43 percent in favor. The tax failed by 9,384 votes. 

Superintendent Terry Noble released a statement Wednesday saying results were comparable to canvassing  data collected during the campaign.

Approximately 35 percent of the households who responded to canvassers indicated they supported the measure. About 20 percent responded they opposed Prop C, while the remaining 45 percent indicated they were undecided. As we know from experience, most of the undecided voters are 'no' votes," the statement said. Noble closed with thanks and appreciation for all of the efforts in developing and campaigning for Prop C. 

If passed, the proposition would have allowed for a new Margaret Buerkle Middle School, along with additions to almost every elementary school in the district and two performing arts centers at the high schools. New teacher positions, including remedial reading, music teachers and librarians would have also been hired. 

Pre-election momentum was strong according to Campaign Co-Chair, Jeff Clobes, "We had over 80 parents and staff working the phone banks on Monday night." Approximately 30 people gathered at Crusoe's on Telegraph to watch the results ranging from parents to School Board members to staff. 

If passed, the proposition would have gone into effect immediately. The next step?

"We have to find out why the issue was not supported by the community. We'll get feedback and try to pass something the community will support," Noble said.