Voters in Bethel and Royalston narrowly opposed a $3.8 million bond issue for improvements to the White River Unified District’s middle and high schools. According to unofficial reports from the district clerk, Karmen Bascom 753 opposed the Bethel-Royalston school bond while 743 supported it. The two-town district roughly contains 3,548 voters.
The district school board chairman, Andrew Jones, acknowledged the vote’s closeness; he stated that “it’s not like a decisive decision one way or another.” He hinted at exploring other options but declined to theorize on future steps.
The $6.8 million project proposed a new performing arts center in South Royalton, which would cost around $4.1 million. It also included expanding the wood shop and welding areas for $385,000, addressing gym-related water drainage issues, and creating secure school entrances for $642,00. District officials planned to fund $3.8 million through bonds, with the remainder covered by capital reserves grants and donations.
Superintendent Jamie Kinnarney assured that some necessary drainage improvement would still proceed this summer. “That’s a ‘have to,'” he confirmed. Had the bond passed, homeowners would have faced an average $47 annual tax increase on a $200,000 property. New revenue from tuition students was expected to offset these costs.
However, rising education expenses in Vermont appeared to sway some voters. Ray Hamel, a retired union carpenter, voiced frustration over school taxes. “It stinks,” he said, emphasizing his support for better student facilities despite voting against the bond.
Bethel resident Nancy Ferland, 73, found the project’s scope too expensive. “I can see they need some improvements,” she said, advocating for more manageable smaller-scale, smaller-scale changes. Conversely, Ashley Kelley from South Royalton supported the bond despite economic worries. “Our schools need a bit of a lift,” she stated.
District Leaders plan to gather community feedback on the Bethel-Royalston school bond
outcome. Kinnarney asked, “Was it strictly the tax increase?” to understand voters’ perspectives. The school board’s next meeting is scheduled for November 19 at the Royalton campus and online.
