Partial victory for referendum

Proposal One approved; Proposal Two defeated, By Fran Hardy Sparta — Jubilation filled the halls of Sparta High School yesterday as news spread that the school bond referendum had squeaked by in a narrow victory by a margin of a few hundred votes Tuesday night. Teachers and staff were all smiles as they joined with students in a huge sigh of relief that the long struggle to win town approval for a new facility was finally over. A near record turnout of voters sent a message Tuesday night that it’s time for a change in Sparta. Town officials said voter turnout for the much debated referendum was far above average for this type of town election. Elections for board of education or town council seats typically receive only a 15 - 24% voter turn out. Referendum votes, however, have historically been hot-button issues for the town and usually bring out more voters. This certainly held true, as letters to the editor, talk around town and even marquees on businesses like the Thirsty Moose on Route 15 all offered opinions. Proposal One, which authorizes $71,513,519 to reconstruct and renovate the high school building, was passed. However, Proposal Two which asked for $2,496,575 to resurface the athletic fields, add lighting, new grandstands, and a press box was defeated. Sparta High School Principal Richard Lio said, “I am just so grateful to the town of Sparta for finally saying yes and I’m so appreciative of all the hard work that so many people put into this.” As to his disappointment over the failure of Proposal Two, Lio said school officials would try to move forward with another plan as soon as possible but he is still just very thankful that Proposal One passed. “I’m really happy for the kids in this town because they’re going to benefit so much.” The Sparta Township Board of Education will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss the referendum results and plan the next steps to initiate the project. Superintendent Dr. Thomas Morton was very pleased and relieved with the community response. He said, “I’m pleased that the community has decided to move forward for the betterment of the school, the curriculum, and the future of our students.” Now that a firm plan to renovate and refurbish the aging, cramped high school has been approved, Sparta can look forward to a 21st century facility in which students and the community can benefit from the added space and resources.