Third Pine City School District referendum attempt fails

The Pine City School District's third facility referendum attempt of 2024 failed on Tuesday's primary election ballot.

The district was proposing a $36.5 million referendum for deferred capital maintenance projects and safety and security upgrades at the elementary and high schools, and for additions and renovations at the elementary school.

$32 million was earmarked for work at the elementary school, with $4.5 million for high school projects.

Approximately 61% of voters said no to the referendum, by a margin of 499.

1,387 people voted no, with 888 voting yes.

In May, 865 voted in favor of a $42.95 million referendum, which included the Alternative Learning Center project, and 1,196 voted no.

This marked the school district's third failed referendum attempt of 2024.