South Tama School Board members approved the formality of accepting the Abstract of Votes resulting from the canvas of the March 3 special school election by the Tama County Board of Supervisors.

They then turned their attention to a discussion of what action may be taken, if any, based upon the results.

With the $20.8 million bond issue falling short of the required 60% voter approval and the failure of a property tax levy statement, a third issue, specifying the state funds usage from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund (SAVE) did gain voter approval.

STC Superintendent Jared Smith said he was aware of a pair of concerns which were most frequent in voters’ decisions.

He identified them as more details of the school building addition plan were needed and the tax levy issue was “confusing.”

The bond issue could be brought before voters in the September school elections Smith told the board.

While no action was taken on a future election plan, the board did agree to having a work session with Travis Squiers. he managing director of public finance investment banking for Piper-Sandler, Des Moines, a stock, investment and financial advisory firm.

Squiers information provided prior to the vote showed property tax increase would be necessary if the bond issue was approved.