On Tuesday, Nov. 7, nearly 14,000 St. Louis county residents filed into polling stations. With a 66% majority, Prop 3, aimed to provide debt-free resources for Rockwood funding of safety, technology and facility needs, was passed.
Sophomore Principal Kyle Devine said he sees this as a step in the right direction and a solution to many of the school’s needs. Once phased into Rockwood’s funding, Prop 3 will help replace the 30-year-old HVAC system, purchase new Chromebooks for students new to the district and improve staff radio systems.
“Administrators need to be able to communicate when things are happening. So, an upgraded communication system will be very beneficial for safety,” Devine said.
Devine said technology updates will be hit first as facility updates require advanced planning.
Without Prop 3, growing bond interest handicapped funding abilities. Now that it’s been voted into fruition, a shift into a capital funds account enables more means for projects around the school.
“Now we’re able to fund technology and take care of needs responsibly and actually fix the problem versus just putting a Band-Aid on things constantly,” Devine said.
Erin Canis, sophomore, helped run the polling station.
“I volunteered as a student Board of Elections judge. I served in all three roles to help run the elections,” Canis said. “So this included checking in people, printing out ballots and signing off papers.”
Canis said the voter turnout was successful with a steady flow of people throughout the day. The rush hours were at 7 a.m. and at 7 p.m.
Canis is excited for what the future of Prop 3 can give MHS and is pleased the bill passed.
“It’s going to contribute to a nicer learning environment, better the education of students and encourage students to come to school,” Canis said. “I was also pleased that we all had a very diverse crowd of voters, and now we’re able to see the benefits.
Della Thompson, French teacher, helped volunteer at the polling station.
“I stood outside with the Prop 3 sign, and I had informational flyers that I passed out,” Thompson said.
Thompson said she is happy with the results and hopes that the changes will help MHS.
“Hopefully it will help with upgrading our facilities and renovating things,” Thompson said. “As far as technology, Chromebooks will be replaced and cameras will be upgraded.”
Thompson said that if the bill hadn’t passed, the buildings would’ve continued to degrade and fixing them would be more expensive.
