Update: Voters in the Chaparral High School district vote down a $5 million bond issue. The issue lost by 38 votes.
Voters were asked to support a bond issue to build a new practice gymnasium that would double as a storm shelter. School officials hoped recent storms in the area would help gather support.
The issue failed with 483 people voting no and 445 voting yes.
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January 21, 2013
Twice last year there were big storm scares at Chaparral High School--once during prom, the other during graduation.
Tornoadoes missed the school, but caused major destruction nearby.
When severe weather approaches, everybody has to pack into the locker rooms for protection. They are small and not designed to be storm shelters.
A new practice gymnasium would double as a storm shelter. Reinforced with concrete and steel, it would withstand 250-mile winds and provide room for up to 1,500 people. It'll be built if voters in the Anthony-Harper-Chaparral School District approve a five million dollar bond issue.
"You never know when that next storm is going to come our way," superintendent Josh Swartz says. "The last few years somebody in the area has had a tornado strike. When the tornadoes do, it's devastating."
The facility would also provide needed space for sports teams to practice.
Cost to taxpayers would be a little more than three dollars a month on a 100 thousand dollar home.
