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Union Co. School Consolidation Voted Down

By Kristin Crowley - News 3

Story Created: Mar 20, 2012 at 11:51 PM CDT
(Story Updated: Mar 21, 2012 at 12:31 AM CDT)

JONESBORO - A majority of voters in Union County said "no" on consolidating school districts.

Some said they voted it down because there wasn't enough information to convince them it was a good idea. Those who supported the measure said there just wasn't enough time to tell those people the benefits of consolidating schools.

"Some of the information, I just, to me, it wasn't what needed to be out there," said Anna Mayor Jim Cross.

Cross and many other voters had enough concerns about consolidation to vote "no" on March 20th.

"It's just one of those things you've got to vote your conscience, what you thinks right, and go from there," said Cross.

The Committee of 10, which supports consolidation, tried to have the proposal moved to the general election in November because members believed the language on the ballot was wrong. A judge denied that request. In the end, it may have been the re-organizations downfall.

"The tax rates listed in it were wrong, and that hurt us," said John Bigler, Committee of 10 member. "It's clear to me that the opponents were able to scare the voters as to the tax rate which was wrong in the referendum."

Supporters said consolidation would have helped districts financially and improved students' education. Those who voted against the referendum said that all sounds good, but they just weren't convinced it was the truth.

"I think there were some things that just wasn't thought clearly through, and if they bring it back who knows I might be for it next time," said Cross.