Creal Springs school issue may go to ballot

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Based on numbers reported by on a petition drive leader trying to force a public vote on funding to build a new Creal Springs school, the matter will go to the voters in November.

Attorney Ron Osman, who spearheaded the effort, said at least 1,800 signatures were in the hands of Unit 2 administration Wednesday afternoon. Attorney Tom Wolf also helped the drive.

"It was more difficult, but it was well worth democracy through the right to vote," he said. "It's about whether people have a right to vote as allowed by law."

Osman believed community fears complicated this petition drive.

"One of every six contacted expressed their support for our effort but were concerned about retaliation," he said. "They weren't willing to put their names on the petition."

If more than 1,352 signatures are verified, a November ballot question will ask voters whether or not the district may purchase $12 million in alternate revenue bonds to fund the school.

Unit 2 Superintendent Dr. Wade Hudgens declined comment until district officials could review the petitions.