Over the next couple of years, school officials believe those problems will be a thing of the past thanks to approval of a $3.5 million bond issue in Tuesday's election. Proposition KIDS (Keep Improving District Schools) passed with 508 yes votes, or 59.9 percent, compared to 340 no votes. The measure required a four-sevenths majority for approval, or 57.14 percent, according to Gaines. The approval will not raise taxes and the bonds will be retired with revenue from the current debt service levy of 93.7 cents, according to school officials. Voters in Warren County approved the issue 444-310, while the vote in Lincoln County was 64-40 in favor. The funding will be used to air-condition the remainder of the high school and elementary school gymnasium. In addition, the athletic facilities at the high school will be significantly upgraded and an eight-lane all-weather track added. "I am really happy for the kids and really pleased the community showed up to support kids in the school," Gaines said. Since the high school is not fully air-conditioned, classes have been canceled in past years due to the extreme heat. School board member Mary Groeper acknowledged students will be positively impacted by being in a comfortable environment during the hot weather months. "It was miserable at the beginning and end of the school year," she said. "That's not a good learning environment for them to have to sit through that heat and possibly have to call off a few days. We are really happy and glad for our kids." Since the existing track is gravel-based and too short compared to regulations set by the Missouri State High School Activities Association, the track teams must compete at meets away from home. ð The athletic field improvements also include irrigation systems for the football and baseball/softball fields, upgrades to the practice fields and bleachers, and the addition of two parking lots. Mary Groeper thanked voters for backing the district. "We have always had a good support in our community for our schools and it shows me that it's still out there," she said. "We appreciate the support of our community." The district's next step is to move forward with formal design work. The track and football field could be completed as early as 2010, but weather could postpone completion until the following year.