The Pearl River County Election Commission released the official election results for the Pearl River County School District’s bond referendum, which was held May 8. The election brought in a total of 1,660 votes. The referendum officially passed with 62.77 percent (1042 votes) in favor and 37.23 percent (618 votes) against.

According to previous coverage, this referendum will establish a $18.5 million bond the School District will use to cover most of the costs associated with various renovations and addition of classrooms across the District’s campuses. Millage will increase by approximately 7.71 mils, previous coverage states. For a home assessed at $100,000, ad valorem taxes will increase by about $78 dollars.

This bond follows a 2017 referendum for a $17 million bond. The bond in 2017 was voted down.

Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said this bond will be a very positive thing for students across the District. He said 24 additional classrooms will be built at the McNeill campus and 18 will be built at the Carriere campus. He said those additional facilities will allow students currently attending class in temporary classrooms to be moved to permanent surroundings. He said this funding will allow the District to meet the needs of a growing enrollment.

In addition, Lumpkin said money will be used to bring the Districts’ older buildings up to code, fix parking lots and address drainage and other infrastructure issues.

“I’m thankful for the community who voted to be a part of the solution. They have made a powerful statement and stepped up to the plate for the students and future students of the School District. I am humbled and moved to be a part of this great community today,” Lumpkin said.