Voters in the Wright City R-II School District approved a $1.4 million no-tax-increase bond issue Tuesday. Money from the issue will purchase 85 acres for future expansion when a new high school is needed. Unofficially, Proposition WCHS had 617 yes votes, or 63.15 percent, compared to 360 against it in Tuesday's election. In Warren County, 570 voters (64.85 percent) supported the proposition, while 309 (35.15 percent) were against it. The issue failed in the district's lone precinct in Lincoln County, with 51 people voting against it compared to 47 in favor. Proposition WCHS required a fourth-sevenths majority, or 57.14 percent, for approval. The property the district will buy is located south of Interstate 70 and is bordered by Highway F and Roelker Road. District officials said the debt service levy will remain at its current level of 93.7 cents per each $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property. Officials don't expect a new high school to be needed for several years at the minimum. In 2006, the school's long-range facilities plan was developed that included building a new high school due to the district's rapid population growth. While the overcrowding issues have eased with the recent opening of Wright City East Elementary, officials said buying the land now will save the district a considerable amount of money in the future thanks to low land prices and interest rates. "I think the vote is reflective of the community's forward-looking attitude," Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines said. "I know the land will be beneficial down the road." Gaines said the district could close on the property in early September. Until enrollment increases and the district's bonding capacity is built back up to fund construction for a new facility, the property will remain farmland with the district renting it out. This is the second straight year voters approved a bond issue in the R-II district. Last April, 59.9 percent of the voters passed a $3.5 million bond issue to upgrade the athletic fields and air-condition the elementary gymnasium and remainder of the high school. Sutherland, Costello Elected to R-III Board Incumbent Jan Sutherland and Scott Costello both won seats on the Warren County R-III School Board in Tuesday's election. Both will serve three-year terms. Sutherland finished with the most votes with 818, while Costello had 732. The only other candidate, Cliff Tucker, had 537 votes. All results are unofficial until certified. Sutherland is wrapping up her first term, while Costello will be sworn in at Thursday night's meeting. He will be taking the place of Carmen Schulze, who decided to not seek another term. Sutherland was able to win re-election despite announcing her intentions to seek the 99th District House of Representatives seat currently held by her son, Mike Sutherland. A Republican, she will have two opponents in the Aug. 3 primary. "I am very excited," she said. "I thank everybody for having the confidence in me." She added, "I'm looking forward to the teamwork and team approach for everybody to discuss everything in an open playing field." Costello, who is active in several community organizations and serves on the Warrenton Planning and Zoning Commission, said he is looking forward to joining the seven-member board. "The thing that is most important to me is seeing our district conduct business fully in the open and with participation from the community," Costello said. He acknowledged the difficult path the district faces with reduced funding from the state and an uncertain economic future. "The state already told districts to expect cuts," Costello said. "It could be a larger cut than originally anticipated. It will be important for the district to prioritize projects and do everything possible to provide all the essential elements for education."