The facade of Marquette Senior High School is pictured. Voters in the Marquette district Tuesday approved a bond issue to underwrite facilities improvement over a number of years. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Unofficial results from Tuesday’s special elections are in.

Voters in the Marquette Area Public Schools district approved the district’s $59.995 million bond proposal, with unofficial results indicating 3,628 yes votes and 3,116 no votes.

The bond will provide funding to address facility, safety and learning-environment needs across all district schools.

“Thank you MAPS community,” said a statement released by the district. “We are so grateful for your support, and can’t wait to continue to engage and educate everyone on the progress of these projects.”

“We are grateful to our community for taking the time to learn about the condition of our schools and for supporting this investment in our students and staff,” said Superintendent Zack Sedgwick. “This bond allows us to be proactive–addressing aging systems, improving safety, and creating learning environments that better support today’s educational needs while protecting taxpayer investment.”

The new bond will be used in conjunction with the preexisting, voter-approved sinking fund, which will continue to be used for routine capital maintenance, while the bond will be used for larger, district-wide projects.

The city of Negaunee’s .4977 mill bond proposal to repair and improve the Negaunee Ice Arena also passed. Negaunee voters overwhelmingly voted in support of the bond, with 747 yes votes and only 309 no votes.

The bond will help to purchase a new chiller for the arena, which is the device which freezes the ice sheet, as well as to improve bleachers, add locker rooms and make other improvements.

“Thank you, Negaunee,” said a statement by the Save the Ice in Ironton organization. “Your overwhelming yes votes show you believe in the future of our rink, our kids and our community. We’re so grateful for your support.”

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.