(Emmetsburg)--The third time proved not to be the charm for a bond issue to build a new elementary school in the Emmetsburg Community School District. A $25 million bond issue was approved by 57.4 percent of voters on Tuesday, less than the 60-percent needed for passage. Emmetsburg Superintendent Cory Jenness.

Jenness says while the bond issue failed, the need for more space remains.

He says the school board will likely take a few months to explore their options.

School bond issues were also rejected Tuesday by voters in the Spirit Lake and North Union School Districts. Voters in the Jackson County Central School District did pass an operating levy by a slim margin. The referendum replaces a current $460 per pupil funding level and increases it to $1,460 per student. School officials warned that major budget cuts would have had to be made had the measure not passed.