The interim superintendent of Liberty Local Schools reacted Wednesday to a 2.5-mill levy failing during the May 4 primary election. 

It failed by a slim margin with 634 against and 610 for the permanent improvement levy. 

Interim Superintendent Andrew Tommelleo thanked those who have put in the time and effort to try and get it passed but says there are now some needed improvements that will have to be delayed.

In part, the money would have been used for HVAC fixes as well as repairs to the roof, parking lot and running track. 

Tommelleo says they're going to have to find a way to address some of the issues immediately -- like the HVAC repairs -- to make sure they have quality air and ventilation. They hope to address this with COVID-related funding. Tommelleo adds they also have issues with classrooms getting too hot or too cold with some HVAC units not working. 

As far as the other repairs, Tommelleo says those fixes will have to be delayed. He says they have had some leaks that have impacted classrooms, which they'll have to address when issues occur. Tommelleo did not know where they'll get the money for these repairs at this point and indicated it will most likely have to be done piecemeal. 

Tommelleo says discussions are ongoing about a possible future levy as far as what the amount would be and evaluating what's in the best interest of the district and voters. 

Tommelleo added that he thinks the low voter turnout for the primary election may have played a role in the levy failing. 

RELATED: Voters reject Liberty School levy again while passing levies for Struthers, Sebring and Champion