Andrea Macko reports for Porcupine Soup that voters in the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District on Dec. 12 defeated a proposal for a $29.4 million capital improvement project, 465-to-232. Randy Squier, superintendent of Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, said, "While we are disappointed in the outcome of the vote, we respect the decision of the community. We will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to address the challenges facing our school district and explore alternative avenues to renovate and improve our facilities to support our student's wellbeing." The election was not held in May, when schools approve their budgets, and usually elections on non-traditional voting days have low turnout. The proposal was for classroom renovations, improving the roof and air conditioning, expanding the fitness center, two new playing fields, and other items. In a statement, the district did not say what next steps will be other than considering their options. Read more about this story in Porcupine Soup.