Voters in eight area counties decisively voted down a permanent three mill increase to construct a north campus of Mid-America Technology Center in a special election Tuesday, August 12.
The measure failed 4,167-1,378 (75.15% to 24.85%) from voters in McClain, Cleveland, Garvin, Grady, Murray, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie and Stephens counties — all of which have high school students who attend MATC.
Newcastle precincts voted down the measure 728-203.
In all, there were 72,281 eligible voters, with only 5,545 patrons casting ballots. “August 13 was our first day of school at MATC,” superintendent Mike Eubank said. “We are, of course, disappointed with the outcome, but fully intend to move forward with the direction our voters have determined. This will be our best year.”
Eubank said a no vote would probably result in significantly limiting, if not eliminating the possibility of building a north campus.
