Royalton Voters Approve $26.1 Million School Bond Referendum [AUDIO]

ROYALTON - Royalton voters have agreed to raise their property taxes for $26.1 million in school updates and a new childhood and kindergarten center.

The referendum passed on Tuesday with 552 yes votes and 484 no votes, according to the school Facebook page.

A property in Royalton valued at $140,000 will see its taxes go up around $189.

The money will be used to accommodate expected enrollment growth at Royalton schools and will also address high priority repair needs.

Over the past 10 years, total enrollment at the school has increased 22.6 percent. Under low assumptions, resident enrollment is projected to increase from 586 students to 680 to 685 students. Higher projections raise the number of students to 724-729 students.

Royalton Superintendent Jon Ellerbusch says they've also seen an increase in open enrollment at their schools.

A new early childhood-kindergarten center will be added to the middle-high school campus to accomodate the student growth. Over the last three years, resident students in kindergarten through 12 has grown by 97 students.

Ellerbsuch says the Royalton community has always been very supportive of their schools and renovation projects.

Money will also go to support remodeling projects and repairs at the two Royalton schools. Repairs include removing asbestos from the floors and ceilings, repairing sidewalks, and upgrading bathrooms and temperature controls.

Additions at the Royalton Middle and High School will include a new STEM (Science, technology, engineering, math) lab, an automotive shop to meet growing interests in mechanics, a new gym, a theater stage, remodeling the high school lunchroom and adding a greenhouse for agricultural science.

Additions to Royalton Elementary include adding a second computer lab, a sensory room for students with disabilities, expanding the lunchroom, remodeling the gym and adding a secured front enterance to the building.