OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Fairfield’s third attempt to approve a $39.5 million referendum failed by two points Tuesday.

The bond would have allowed the district to replace its middle school built in 1966.

With Iowa’s law that such bonds get 60%, that’s a high bar voters didn’t clear.

“You know obviously it’s a little bit deflating when you put time and energy into a project and really believe it’s what’s best for kids, for our community. And ultimately, it’s still the majority but it’s not enough for the GO bond,” said Superintendent Zach Wigle.

Fairfield Middle School needs millions of dollars to address infrastructure problems.

Instead of building a new 5th-8th grade school, district leaders will use existing tax dollars to fix what doesn’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities A

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