Hannibal, Palmyra voters approve school bonds | News

Voters were asked to allow the district to borrow $30 million to complete capital projects. The bond will not require a tax increase, but the district will use its debt service levy to cover the bonds, which is currently set at $1.12 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property tax.

Work from the bonds includes completing the Hannibal Innovation Campus, renovations at the middle school and high school auditoriums, making portions of Porter Stadium ADA accessible, prepaying leases and repairing damage from the 2023 spring hail storm.

The largest project is the Hannibal Innovation Campus at 4417 McMasters Ave. The new campus will focus on training high school students in trade programs.

Existing studies that will move to the new campus include auto technology, machine tool, cosmetology, welding and health services. New studies will be culinary arts and hospitality and adult education.

In a statement, the district thanked the community for its support.

“We are #HannibalProud of our community’s continuous support,” the district said. “Together we carry out the mission of HPS: To serve our community by helping our students thrive. Thank you for believing in and contributing to a brighter future for our community.”

The district also thanked state Rep. Louis Riggs and U.S. Rep. Sam Graves the combined contributions of $7.4 million towards the purchase and development in the Innovation Campus.

Voters in the Palmyra R-1 School District approved Proposition 2 919-203, which will allow the district to issue $8 million in bonds for improvements.

Projects include updating the entrance at the Middle School, replacing galvanized piping and asbestos tiles at the Elementary School, as well as multiple projects at the High School. The gymnasium will be renovated, including new doors, painting, updated locker rooms, a renovated common area, new bleachers and a new floor.

In other contested races. Ron Greenwell (1,823) and Tysa Coleman (1,378) were elected to the Hannibal School Board, defeating Stephen Colyar (770).

Amber Gottman (801) and Andrew Lehenbauer (651) were elected to the Palmyra School Board, defeating Chris Turner (618).

In Ralls County, voters voted 600-202 to extend the 0.5% sales tax for road and bridge maintenance.

Elected to the Ralls County R-II School Board were Jason Liter (320) and Ritchie Palmer (234), defeating Kerri Roberts (204).

Center voters voted 53-13 to approve a 0.5% sales tax for public safety departments, including fire protection, and 48-18 to impose a 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana bought in the city.