UPDATE: Michigan Center School's $10.5 million bond proposal has been affirmed. Jackson County Elections Director Colleen Garety tells me the numbers came back exactly the same in this morning's recount, with 569 voters saying yes and 564 saying no.
Superintendent Scott Koziol tells me over the phone that this validates the community's support in the district. He thanks the Jackson County Clerk's office for their time and effort. Koziol also said over the phone that he is excited to start improving the schools.
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It is ballot recount day for Jackson County's Michigan Center School District.
Two weeks ago, the district was celebrating the passage of a $10.5 million bond, but after today, that celebration could turn to sorrow.
On election day, voters approved the bond proposal to fix up the district's buildings by just 5 votes. 569 voters said yes. 564 said no.
After, a resident filed for a recount with the Jackson County Clerk's Office. At 9 a.m. today at the Leoni Township Hall, poll workers will recount the ballots.
Jackson County Elections Director Colleen Garety tells me the recount today is simple.
First, workers will verify the ballot seal numbers from the two precincts. If that matches the poll book, they will then cut open the ballots and do a head count.
Next, if that matches up, they will count the number of "yes" votes and the number of "no" votes.
The ballot recount will be handled by one Democrat and one Republican poll worker, who will work with the County Board of Canvassers to come up with a total.
The district wants the money to address safety concerns and fix school buildings.
I spoke with Michigan Center Superintendent Scott Koziol, who tells me he has no reason to believe the results will be any different this time around.
Garety says it should take one to two hours to get the results of the recount.
