Washington — Once again the smallest towns in Region 12 have carried the vote.
Tuesday’s referendum to fund $8.28 million in renovations and repairs to Shepaug Valley School was defeated by a total of 569 no to 403 yes votes.
The question passed in Washington with 13 percent voter turnout. However, it was defeated in Bridgewater and Roxbury with 24 and 20 percent voter turnout respectively.
Bridgewater: 56 yes to 241 no
Roxbury: 141 yes to 200 no
Washington: 206 yes to 128 no
“The public may have felt reluctant to fund work to Shepaug Valley School without assurances that the region will be adequately populated with a student body,” said Alan Brown, Board of Education vice chairman.
“This defeat gives us the opportunity as a board and administration to prove our commitment to the viability of the region,” Brown added. “So much time was and energy was put into promoting consolidation not enough attention was given to providing a Plan B.”