Affton School District voters went “All IN” for the district’s two ballot measures, Propositions I and N, in Tuesday’s election.

Combined, the tax hike and bond issue will raise residents’ tax rates by 90 cents. Proposition I, a 41-cent tax-rate increase, will add roughly $1.5 million in operating funds to the school district’s budget. Proposition N, a $25 million bond issue, will fund a new gym, cafeteria and classrooms at schools in the district, along with safer entryways, according to information released by the district in advance of the vote.

“Affton family, thank you for supporting our schools and our children Nov. 8 at the polls,” the district said in a message of thanks.

As a bond issue, Prop N needed 57 percent approval to pass, while Prop I needed 50 percent to pass. Voters approved Prop N by 60.3 percent, and Prop I by 62.7 percent. Approval of the pair of measures thwarted a recent trend in the St. Louis region in which voters have defeated school ballot measures. Also on Tuesday, Francis Howell voters rejected a tax-rate increase for the district for the second straight year, and in the last year, Kirkwood and Webster Groves voters have also rejected hikes. A year ago, Mehlville voters also thwarted the trend by approving Proposition R for Restore, a 49-cent tax-rate increase.

AFFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION I

**TAX LEVY – STAFFING**

(WITH 19 OF 19 COUNTED)

YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,268 62.74

NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,910 37.26

AFFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION N

**BONDS – CAPITAL IMPROV (57.15% NEEDED)**

(WITH 19 OF 19 COUNTED)

YES . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,872 60.30

NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,183 39.70

Props I and N will provide long-term financial stability for the district by balancing the budget, avoiding further cuts in staff and programs, maintaining the ability to pay teachers a competitive salary, and enabling the district to continue its capital improvement program of keeping buildings well maintained with up-to-date educational spaces, the district said in a news release.

Upgrades will include:

Renovating classrooms to 21st Century standards throughout the district,

Improving safety and security in every building throughout the district,

Implementing Capital Improvement Plan renovations at Gotsch Intermediate, to include a secure entry, a new gymnasium and eight new classrooms, ADA improvements, and cafeteria renovation,

Implementing Capital Improvement Plan renovations at Rogers Middle School, to include a secure entry, two new classrooms, ADA improvements, and

Implementing Capital Improvement Plan renovations at Affton High School, to include locker room restoration and renovation.

“The progress and achievement that Affton School District has seen is thanks largely in part to the loyal and unwavering support of the Affton community,” Superintendent Steve Brotherton said in a news release. “My sincere thanks go out to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make Props I and N a success, and especially to our community members who are dedicated to keeping our schools and our community Affton Strong.”