Residents in the Perry School District took part in a special election Tuesday, and they approved the proposed revenue purpose statement (RPS) by a nearly 90% margin.

The election was required by the State Legislature when they passed the extension of the Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund through 2050 last year. Districts statewide have to pass an RPS in a public vote, allowing the school to borrow from the funds. For Perry, the passage of the RPS specifically allows them to access SAVE for improvements to Perry Middle School. Superintendent Clark Wicks expressed his gratitude for the voters who came out and supported the resolution, and he’s happy they can get to work on this and future projects. “We’ll be able to borrow against the SAVE for I believe it’s the 30 years. We won’t necessarily stretch it out that long, but I think that’s the possibility. So we’re good to move forward, and we’re excited to be thinking about that possibility. It’s a big relief knowing that we will be able to move forward and make more progress for the Perry community, as well as our Perry school as we focus on rejuvenating the 1960 (built) Perry Middle School!”

The Dallas and Boone county auditor’s offices reported a combined 116 people took part in the election. There were 104 “Yes” votes and 12 “No’s,” so the measure unofficially passed with 89.6% support. The low voter turnout was expected by Dallas County election officials, considering it was a special election with just one question on the ballot. The results won’t be official until the votes are canvassed by the Dallas County Board of Supervisors.