Bond passes

Liberty school district patrons gave their overwhelming support for the $58 million no-tax-rate increase bond at the Tuesday, April 8, polls.

District patrons voted 78.45 percent in favor of the bond in unofficial Clay County Election Board results. Total votes tallied 6,580 out of the district’s 29,400 registered voters, a 22 percent turnout.

“We appreciate the way our community supports its schools,” Assistant Superintendent Mike Brewer said. “This vote of confidence will not be taken lightly.”

The bond will finance construction of the first phase of a second high school and the new Kellybrook Elementary School, pay for Liberty High School improvements, upgrade technology and security districtwide and help pay off the Early Childhood Center.

In past weeks, the bond’s outcome had become uncertain because of public allegations of financial improprieties and misuse of district credit cards by top administrators.

“Do not underestimate the voters in this community,” said parent Greg Hall, a member of the bond committee. “They understand how important new schools are to the economic growth and the quality of life in the Liberty area. They are also keenly aware that changes must be made in the district to demand accountability for all district budgets and expenditures.”

— Natalie Shelton

Head football coach named

For the first time in 17 years, Liberty High School went outside its football program to find a head coach.

Joel Wells, who has 17 years of previous head coaching experience at Cassville, Washington and Nixa, was named the Blue Jays’ new coach at a press conference on Monday, April 7, at Liberty High School.

Wells replaces Pat Hansen, who resigned in December after compiling a 64-29 record in nine seasons. Wells was 57-18 at Nixa, winning at least eight games in six of his seven seasons. The Eagles captured four Central Ozark Conference titles and won their district four times. For more details, see Page D1.

— Kevin Goodwin