Community is ‘vested’ in schools’ future with bond passage.

Students at Thomas Read Elementary School.

Community is ‘vested’ in schools’ future with bond passage.

SHELBY – Shelby Public School district voters went to the polls during a special election Tuesday, May 4, and voted 899-642 to pass a 3.64 mill bond proposal.

The bond will generate $33 million for district-wide improvements. Key projects include: building a new centralized elementary school for all K-5 students, renovations to the high school and middle school, and the transition of Thomas Read and New Era elementary to early childhood centers.

“With the passing of this bond, the community has shown they are vested in the future of Shelby Public Schools and the continued growth for our town, and that was apparent yesterday,” said Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Tim Reeves. “With new and updated facilities and technology, Shelby Public Schools can position itself to be a more community-attractive school system which will benefit current and future generations of Shelby students.”

The Oceana County Clerk’s Office voting tallies by precinct.

As each phase of the project is developed, the community will have the opportunity to participate in the final planning, design, and implementation of the school expansions and improvements, said Reeves. A small committee for each building will be created for stakeholders to participate in and provide input and feedback.

“We are so appreciative of our community’s support of Shelby Public Schools and this bond,” Reeves said. “It’s been over 20 years since the last bond projects were completed, and we are excited to update our facilities to create learning environments fitting for our students.”

The district, which has an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, operates four school buildings ranging in age from 24-66 years old with the high school as the newest building constructed in 1997.

There are 6,197 registered voters in the Shelby Public School District and 1,549 voted Tuesday, according to unofficial election results.

Construction will occur in multiple phases beginning in the spring of 2022.

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