MONROE — School District of Monroe officials are scrambling to weigh their options, after a group of citizen electors last Monday turned down the district’s planned effort to purchase property for a new, $88-million high school. 

The move came during a meeting to finalize the land purchase. Supt. Rodney Figueroa said he didn’t expect any surprises from what should have been a routine vote. But he said that he became aware of a groundswell of opposition that had gathered in the community throughout the day Monday, culminating in the vote in opposition.

“The vote to approve the purchase of property on 31st Ave in Monroe for the approved referendum to build a new high school on a new site was voted down 52 yes to 69 no votes Monday evening at the Bauer Education Center,” Figueroa said after the meeting. 

Among issues raised by those who objected to the site were those related to traffic, grading of the land and water runoff, he said.

“Discussion at Monday’s meeting included traffic and road access in the area specifically pick up and drop off with Northside Elementary school and the new high school being in close proximity,” he said. “Homeowners in the area had concerns about their property values, storm water mitigation, possible additions of curb and gutter, and placement of buildings. There were questions about the elevation changes and perceived challenges with earth moving.”

Now the board is meeting, primarily in closed session, to weigh its options, which may include a new site somewhere in Monroe. Because of the sensitive nature of real estate negotiations, Figueroa said he could not immediately confirm any other sites. He did say, however, that the 31st Avenue site isn’t completely off the table.

Voters in November approved an $88-million referendum for a new high school and extensive renovations to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. The high school was built in 1958 and suffers from extensive drainage, structural and water seepage issues. 

The elector vote doesn’t scrap the new school plan but it does complicate things in the short term, Figueroa said. At one point, a dozen potential properties around the city were identified based on key criteria, such as being a minimum of 60 acres, and close to utilities, including city water and sewer,

Another stipulation, according to a district referendum briefing, was that the new site needed “a topography which could support facilities without significantly increasing estimated excavation costs, if possible, not cross any major highways so some students would be able to walk and bike to school and would not impact busing cost, and have the potential for access on more than on road.”

The top four properties were identified by officials and the owners/agents of those were contacted to gauge interest in selling. On Thursday, Figueroa declined to say if any of the other four finalist properties were now under primary consideration. 

“The Board appreciates the feedback and interaction from the electors during this process and will take into consideration the comments provided by the electors when deciding next steps. The Board will go into closed session Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. to discuss options related to the purchase of property suitable for the new high school campus.”

Figueroa also said he remained optimistic that officials will find a way to get the project done. “The referendum passed in November, funds have been secured, and planning for the design will begin late January,” he said.