BETHEL — A question asking voters to approve construction of a new gymnasium and performance arts center for the Telstar Middle/High School complex was losing in partial results of Tuesday’s election.

With all five Regional School Unit 44 towns reporting, the vote was 1,077 yes to 1,707 no. Bethel voted 506-723; Newry, 58-111; Greenwood, 137-224; Andover, 140-290; and Woodstock, 236-359.

The combined cost of a new gymnasium and theater was estimated at $5 million to be financed at virtually no interest for a period of 15 years. The low or no interest rate is part of the federal stimulus package for schools. Because SAD 44 will not use the money, it will be set aside for next year’s round of funding statewide.

“There’s been a lot of talk over the years about a second gymnasium,” Superintendent David Murphy said. “The vote represents the current state of the economy.”

He said the district will now move on from the issue.

“That was an opportunity with stimulus money. But the dialogue (around the issue) recognizes that the buildings are in need of more maintenance,” he said.

Many have wanted construction of a second gym at the middle/high school complex because students from both age groups share one gym for games and practices.

Because of the shared use, students are sometimes bused to gyms at other schools in the district, or are scheduled for late practices.

Murphy said students have been bused to Woodstock Elementary School for practices, which often resulted in youngsters returning late. He said he expects discussions to begin for the possible use of the gym at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel.

The proposal to build a theater in the middle/high school complex is a result of increased student interest in the performing arts and a place to hold them, as well as community interest in theater.

Public informational meetings on the proposal had drawn between 50 and 70 residents from the five member towns, with opinions about evenly divided on whether to fund construction.

Murphy said he wasn’t surprised at the result of the vote.

“It’s about the economy. It was a good opportunity for low or no interest, but it was still money,” he said.

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