Tempers flared at a special Decatur School Board meeting Friday as members voted 3-2 against holding a public referendum on a $23 million early childhood learning center.
State lawmakers had passed legislation requiring voter approval for the bond, which would also include about $30 million in Decatur High School enhancements. But the school board decided against putting it to a vote.
"We haven't gotten a hand on how much we're asking, how much this will cost," said board member James Herndon during the hour-long meeting.
Parents are frustrated with the process. "With the addition of the high school expansion, we're talking $50 million or more, which is a massive undertaking, so the public should be able to weigh in on that," said parent Marci Roberts. The proposed site has also drawn opposition from residents demanding an archaeological study before construction.
