OXFORD — Educators in the Talawanda Schools will meet soon with community members to determine the fate of Stewart Elementary School, following Tuesday's defeat of a bond issue, 3,561 votes to 2,185.

        Had the $53.9 million issue passed, it would have provided funds to build a new elementary school and high school, allowing the district to close Stewart, as recommended in a plan approved by the Ohio School Facilities Commission and the Talawanda Board of Education.

        “We have to face the question: "What do we do with Stewart?' It won't close this fall, but we have to set a time frame to close it and figure out where to put kids,” said Superintendent Phil Cagwin. “We know there's no room in our current facilities.”

        Those discussions likely will begin at Monday's 7:30 p.m., board of education meeting at Maud Marshall Elementary School. There, Mr. Cagwin said, he would recommend the board put another bond issue on the November ballot.

        “I hope the board will give serious consideration to alternatives to putting the same packet on the ballot again,” said John Stump, a former Talawanda teacher, administrator and board member. “It's the second time this plan has been defeated.”

        Voters have rejected several attempts to pass money issues to build a new high school since the idea was first proposed more than three years ago.

        “We need creative thinking on other possibilities. I'm not comfortable voting against school issues but I'm more uncomfortable with this plan,” Mr. Stump said. “It's my opinion we can put a better proposal together than the one we defeated.”

        Maud Marshall Elementary teacher and Talawanda Education Association President Joan Parks said she was disappointed by Tuesday's vote but said plans must move forward to close Stewart, as agreed upon in the teachers' contract.

        For several years, teachers have complained about air quality in the building and mold, which they say have led to respiratory problems, rashes and other problems. The state facilities commission also recommended closing the school because the cost to renovate it would be prohibitive.

        Mr. Cagwin said it is not likely the school will close before 2003 because the district needs to find a place to house students. Possibilities include Miami University, a church, or going to double sessions in one or more buildings.

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