Bonham, Texas -- By a very slim margin, it appears that voters in the Bonham ISD community have approved district’s $64.4 million bond package to renovate the junior high.

The final count was 879 votes in favor of the bond package and 877 votes opposed the measure.

Safety, overcrowding and issues with an aging facility were the primary reasons mentioned for the referendum.

Water damage at L.H. Rather has been so prevalent that the school district can no longer purchase flood insurance for L.H. Rather. When water damage occurs, there is no deductible amount -- Bonham ISD is responsible to pay for the cleanup and all resulting damage.

There is no tax-rate change associated with this bond.

The $64.4M renovation of L.H. Rather Junior High includes:

• Renovation of upstairs classrooms, the 1992 addition, housing grade 6
• Two-story classroom addition north of competition gym, housing grades 7-8
• Multi-purpose facility, including a stage for student performances
• Vo-Ag classrooms
• Band Hall
• Cafeteria in main building
• Robyn C. Hill Competition Gym renovation
• Practice field relocated to south end of campus