TCU Referendum fails by 15 votes

Fifteen. That is the number supporters of the Tri-City United Building Bond Referendum will remember for a long time, because 15 votes was the difference between “no” and “yes” votes in the election that failed on Tuesday.

According to Superintendent Dr. Teri Preisler, 1,042 voters in the TCU district (Montgomery, Lonsdale and Le Center) cast a yes vote, but 1,057 residents voted it down. 

The $18.69 million building bond referendum would have provided safety, security and building upgrades for each TCU school in Montgomery, Lonsdale and Le Center. Overcrowding at the high school would have been alleviated with five more classrooms and two labs. A 700-seat auditorium would have been added that would have been partially used as classroom space. Classrooms in TCU Lonsdale were also planned to keep fifth and sixth graders in that building and ease overcrowding of the TCU Montgomery Middle School. Renovations at TCU Le Center called for a safe and secured entrance and controlled access to the building. Maintenance needs on that campus included a new HVAC system and roof replacement over classrooms. 

Preisler, who was at the American Legion in Montgomery with supporters, said everyone was in shock when they heard the news. Still, Preisler said they will examine a possible recount since the vote was so close.

To read more about the referendum, pick up the May 26 Montgomery Messenger.