By Emily Younker and Wally Kennedy

news@joplinglobe.com

Webb City and Carl Junction voters on Tuesday approved bond issues that will use some federal stimulus funds for capital projects in their school districts.

Voters in Pierce City, meanwhile, defeated a bond issue that would have financed the construction of two new buildings in the school district.

Carl Junction

In Carl Junction, voters approved a $1 million bond issue that will renovate, replace or upgrade features at most of the district’s schools.

The proposal was approved by just more than 70 percent of those casting ballots, with 741 votes in favor and 312 opposed, according to complete but unofficial results compiled by county election officials.

Despite low voter turnout — 8.61 percent in Jasper County — Superintendent Phil Cook said he is thrilled with the results.

“Once again this community gave us that reinforcement that they’re behind us and support us, so we’re really happy,” he said.

Cook said the district plans to take advantage of interest-free bonds available for a portion of the total $1 million. Those bonds will come from the Qualified School Construction Bond program, under which $140 million is available for Missouri school districts this year.

The bond issue, which does not raise the current debt-service levy of 82 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, will finance:

Replacement of heating and air-conditioning units in the kindergarten and first-grade building.

Lighting and restroom upgrades in the second- and third-grade building.

Roof replacement and air conditioning in the intermediate building.

Improved access to vocational-agriculture features at the high school.