What to know following special and school elections in Central Arkansas
On Tuesday, there were several special and school elections that took place across parts of Central Arkansas. Here’s what to know.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, several special and school elections took place across Central Arkansas.
Voters in many parts of the state headed to the polls to make their voices heard.
In Bryant, voters decided against the proposals that would allow for the Bryant Arts and Music venue, also known as the BAM.
The indoor concert and entertainment arena would have seated around 3,000 people. The money would come from a half-cent sales tax already in place — the decision is simply whether to allocate it towards the venue.
One voter said she was in favor of BAM because of the opportunities that it could bring to the area.
“I’ve seen a lot of progress, especially recently, and with this new initiative with BAM, I can just see, it’s endless,” Suzanne Passmore, a resident of Bryant, said.
Voters needed to pass both proposals on the ballot, however, both were shot down.
Voter turnout was just over a little under 11.5% percent in the city.
Pope County voters also voted down their proposal for a safety tax to upgrade the jail and 911 call center.
The sheriff’s office was in favor of the proposal. They explained how the county is growing, but the jail hasn’t.
“Our current jail is 45 years old, and in that 45-year span, Pope County’s population has more than doubled, and so we’re still operating at a 45-year-old infrastructure,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross.
There were several other races on the ballot in the county, with voter turnout at almost 11%.
Over in North Little Rock, the community passed a millage increase for the North Little Rock School District.
The money from the millage increase will support a new middle school as well as repair other buildings and build an indoor sports complex.
Those who were in favor of the increase said that it was an important step for the community and for the future of the school district.
“We are advocating for our kids because it’s important for our future. It’s important for our community,” said Lee Tackett, a former employee of the district.
Those who were against the increase would have seen that money saved.
“We don’t need the sports complex. The reason why they want it is because other schools have it, and that’s other schools we can’t afford it. Why not? Why not save money?” said Marie Mikel, another former employee of the district.
The district has been awarded more than $20 million in state partnership funding to build the new middle school, but in order to receive the funds, the district had to have this support from the community.
Otherwise, the funds would have gone back to the state.
In Hot Springs, Barbara Ellis-Erby will become the newest member of the school board as she is set to replace retiring member Ann Hill.
In recent weeks, the current board suspended Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Nehus.
She was placed on administrative leave after parents spoke out against Dr. Nehus and the board when her husband was arrested on a parole violation stemming from previous child porn charges.