Those who silently opposed the Batesville Community School Corp. building project that would have allowed four schools to grow as the student population climbs and also be modernized finally vented Tuesday.

They shouted a resounding “No!” by a margin of 1,544 to 1,185 to the $28 million issue that would have raised property taxes at most 44 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

The decision was closer in Ripley County, with 52 percent opposed. Franklin County naysayers numbered 61.2 percent.

Pockets of voters showed their support. In three of eight Ripley County precincts (Adams 3, Laughery 3-1 and Laughery 3-2), those in favor were victorious.

Likewise, the majority casting ballots in Franklin County’s two Batesville precincts wanted the project to happen.

Batesville 2, the precinct with the smallest number of voters (16), was also the most enthusiastic, with 81.2 percent in favor.

BCSC superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts and President Chris Lowery both said Tuesday night they were blindsided by the defeat. Lowery said, “I could count on one hand the amount of negative conversations” he heard about the referendum question.

“As the evening started to unfold and it looked as though the vote would be no, I started to become disappointed. Others in the room did, too,” he reported. Lowery was listening to results with YES for ABCs (Advancing Batesville Community Schools) Political Action Committee members.

“This process began in 2006,” the superintendent pointed out. Not only did BCSC personnel and consultants spend a great deal of time researching the best way for the district to expand, but also “we had some great volunteers” who included 34 Facilities Planning Committee members and about a dozen in the PAC.

Roberts couldn’t help but wonder if voters in the special election would have OK’d the project had the turnout been greater. How would the 69.8 percent who stayed home have voted?

Lowery blamed the sorry state of the economy for the negative decision. “With almost a 10 percent unemployment rate ... that weighs on the minds of many people.”

He added, “There were probably things they may not have liked or supported within the project,” such as an optional indoor pool.

The president said he hoped voters weren’t opposed to “75 percent of the cost, additional space to teach our children ... We’re running out of space. Some might suggest we set up trailers to accommodate that growth. We’re not going to do that ... in this community.”

Roberts felt the renovations and additions included in the suggested work were not unreasonable. “Our proposal was based upon what was really, truly needed by the corporation ... to give our kids the same opportunities many other kids (in different school districts) have.”

Lowery believed updating the schools was essential not only to area students’ education, but also to keep BCSC’s good reputation intact. “So much of this is really tied to the future of our community.”