Gwinn Area Community Schools saw its bond proposal trail by 14 votes in unofficial results from the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election.
Unofficial Marquette County results show 2,364 voters said no and 2,350 said yes on the $24.95 million measure, according to the county’s election summary report. The proposal would have financed building renovations and moved fourth- and fifth-graders into the middle/high school building, Radio Results Network reported.
The ballot language reproduced by VOTE411 estimated a levy of 1.89 mills in 2027 and an annual average of 2.29 mills to repay the debt. Bonds could remain outstanding for up to 30 years.
Of 9,021 registered voters in the district, 4,969 cast ballots. That’s a 55.08% turnout, according to the unofficial results.
If the result stands, it would mark the district’s fifth consecutive bond defeat. Michigan Treasury records list unsuccessful proposals in November 2023, November 2024, May 2025 and November 2025.
Superintendent Sara Croney said in a statement reported by The Mining Journal that the district respects the outcome but that its facility, infrastructure and educational needs remain.
She said the school board, district leadership and Tier 2 Citizen’s Committee would need to assess options and determine priorities.
Three candidates ran unopposed for the GACS Board of Education. Unofficial results show T.J. Derwin received 2,405 votes, Mary Jo Paris-Johns received 2,400 and Joseph St. Andre received 2,354.
