The measure would have funded a new elementary school grades 1-6 and remodeled Brooklyn Elementary into a birth to kindergarten center. All schools would have received safety and security upgrades. It also would have paid for renovating Baker High School to accommodate seventh and eighth graders, allowing them to take more vocational classes and advanced coursework.

District voters haven’t approved a school construction bond since 1948.

While the loss was disappointing, Superintendent Mark Witty said the district’s urgent facilities needs remain unresolved. He will review results with the Baker School Board of Directors to determine next steps.

“Our elementary schools and middle school are still overcrowded,” said Witty. “Our buildings still have safety and efficiency issues. We will need to re-evaluate and figure out how to address these issues.”

Witty expressed gratitude to all of the volunteers who participated in the bond campaign. The “Yes For Kids” Political Action Committee, chaired by Kim Mosier, undertook a variety of activities this fall to share information and advocate for the bond.