A bond referendum that would have been used to build and equip a new elementary building and improve the site in the Nodaway Valley School District has failed by a slim margin. Unofficial results from the Adair County Auditor’s Office show that while there were 397 “Yes” votes to 283 “No” votes for the $8.8-million dollar referendum, the measure needed 60-percent approval in order to pass. It received 58.4-percent. There were a total of 680 votes cast out of the 3,004 registered voters in the district.

At least two informational meetings were held prior to the vote. The current building is nearly 60-years old. Officials have said it would cost $6.5-million to renovate the existing facility, which is not currently energy efficient, is difficult to maintain, and not ADA compliant.

Nodaway Valley Superintendent Casey Berlau has stated that the new structure would have included a safe room/storm shelter, and met all energy efficiency and ADA requirements.