Vader School District: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

In one of those "They did what?" kind of moments, Vader failed a pair of levies yesterday. As a result, the school district is going to be closed and divided among its closest neighbors. From the Longview Daily News:

VADER --- Voters here slammed the book on the school district, giving resounding "nos" to both the bond and levy measures.

Both do-or-die measures needed a 60 percent supermajority to pass but failed to reach even 50 percent approval, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night. That means the 89-student K-8 district will cease to exist this spring.

The results stunned the 30 school supporters who gathered in the library with balloons and nonalcoholic champagne to toast their predicted victory. Many sat in silence shaking their heads once the results sunk in. Others wiped away tears and clutched their children close.

There are 375 votes still outstanding but with the overwhelming initial results officials were quick to concede defeat Tuesday. The bond got 368 yes votes total (47 percent) and 409 against. The levy received 376 yes votes (48 percent) and 404 no.

The people have spoken, and they've said, "Commuter kids!"