Batavia school referendum: 'No' to borrowing $15 million

Batavia school officials wanted to know what residents thought about borrowing $15 million for buildings and grounds projects, and residents overwhelmingly told them not to do it.

With all 28 precincts counted, 74 percent of the voters said "no," according to unofficial election returns.

The referendum was an advisory vote on whether to borrow to do some work sooner, including adding two artificial-turf fields to Batavia High School. The Batavia Bulldogs Boosters club campaigned heavily in favor of borrowing. Opponents cited the expected interest costs and questioned the cost versus benefit to have all students on the campus for practices and games.

"We are glad the public cared enough about the district to show up and vote, and we are glad the board cared enough to ask the question," said Superintendent Lisa Hichens. She said the district "will honor" the vote by continuing to fund capital projects through the annual budget, and do projects in phases.