The second time was the charm for voters in the East Mills Community School District, Tuesday, as they passed by a slim margin, a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), during a special election. Unofficial results from the Mills County Auditor’s Office show the PPEL of $1.34 per thousand dollars valuation passing by a vote of 478 “Yes” to 410 “No” votes The referendum received almost 54% of the vote–a simple majority was necessary in order to pass. Voters rejected a similar PPEL referendum in September.

Monies raised through the 10-year levy will be used to complete geothermal upgrades in each of the district’s buildings. District officials have said the PPEL is key part of the district’s long-range building plans, which call for converting East Mills Junior-Senior High School in Malvern into a K-12 facility.