Needing a simple majority, backers of a levy increase to improve facilities in the Jamestown C-1 School District came up a few votes shy of victory.
The unofficial results in Moniteau and Cole counties show district patrons voted 272 in favor of the measure while 278 voted against.
The district was seeking an increase of 95 cents per each $100 of assessed valuation of real estate and personal property.
District officials said passage of the issue would have allowed the district to construct four additional classrooms as well as furnishing and equipping them. Upgrading and improving the safety and security of school facilities would have been among many other upgrades that were planned had this measure passed.
"It's disappointing, but I expect we'll try again to get this approved in April," said Superintendent Ellen Ash. "The improvements we're talking about are pretty necessary, and we need them to educate our kids."