The rejection of the bond and mill levy override taxes by voters in the Weld RE-4 School District will lead the Windsor and Severance school system in a different direction.

The new path, though, remains uncertain just one day removed from Election Day when two ballot measures to address growing enrollment and overcrowded schools were defeated by RE-4 voters.

A $3 million MLO designed to provide operational funds for district schools, including Windsor Charter Academy, failed by 1,449 votes, according to the Weld County Clerk and Recorder results. The vote on the $179 million bond — that would've allowed the district to renovate and build schools — was closer: a difference of 355 votes between those voting no (51.77%) and yes (48.23%).

The district issued a statement late Wednesday morning on the results in an email sent to Weld RE-4 families. District officials did not address the election results on Tuesday night.

The 311-word release says the district now has a problem without a clear solution, but that it remains optimistic.

"We believe that our community will come together to create a solution," the statement read. "While there is much we can productively debate and diverge on, putting students first and continuing to prioritize their learning is not one of them. On that, we agree. We truly believe Weld RE-4 is a community committed to children, to education, and to having schools that rank among the best in the state."

The statement emphasized the bond has always been about "needs to best serve our students." In August, the board of education approved the bond and MLO for the ballot and continued to emphasize the need to address the growing population and overcrowding.

Enrollment in Weld RE-4 is over 8,200 students for the 2021-22 school year, which is an increase of 800 students from the previous school year, according to bond information on the district website.

Friends of Weld RE-4 Schools, a volunteer community group that advocates for the school district, also issued a statement on the bond package. The statement came from two co-chairs of the organization's campaign to pass the measures.

"Homes continue to be built in record numbers and student enrollment in our elementary and middle schools already exceeds capacity," the statement read. "We remain optimistic that people in our community are committed to the education of their children. It will be up to the elected school board and all of us to agree on and work toward a path forward in the best interest of Weld RE-4 students."

The school district's statement added the district will focus on a "wider community" concept, to build stronger relationships among the school and the community to plan for the future. The trend of growing enrollments is expected to continue; the district said student population it's expected to increase by nearly 1,900 students in the next five years.

"With schools already at or over capacity, Weld RE-4 schools will lack the space to serve them," according to the statement.

WINDSOR, CO - OCTOBER 13:From right, candidates Aaron Smith, Chris Perkins, Lance Nichols and Trent Leisy participate in the League of Women Voters Greeley/Weld County candidate forum for the Weld RE-4 School District Board of Education in the auditorium at Windsor High School in Windsor Oct. 14, 2021. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)

While district voters rejected the ballot issues, they appear to have left the board of education unchanged. Incumbent Lance Nichols defeated Trent Leisy in a race for one open seat. Nichols, who was appointed to the board in the spring to fill a vacancy, earned 56.74% to 43.26% for Leisy, a former board member, in the race to represent District C.

As of approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday, incumbent Chris Perkins held a 63-vote lead over Aaron Smith to represent District A in the other contested race, according to results on the county clerk and recorder website.

Perkins had 4,504 votes (50.35%) to 4,441 votes for Smith (49.65%).

Perkins said late Wednesday morning the voters' message — appearing to support the current board while failing to approve the bond and MLO issues — is difficult to explain. Perkins, like the board, emphasized the district and the community need to find solutions to its problems.

"I think late opposition to the bond caused it ultimately not to pass," Perkins said. "A big challenge and primary focus (of the new board) will be on how to move forward and it's important that we as a district and we as a community work together to provide the best educational opportunities we can for our kids."