PONETO, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Voters have approved a referendum aimed at helping Southern Wells Commnunity Schools out of a financial slump.

The measure passed by 52.14%. Nearly half off all registered voters in the precincts cast a ballot in the special election. Which is a good turn out, considering the referendum was the only measure on the November ballot.

"A yes vote would allow us to maintain our current level of staffing and the ability to provide a broad curriculum to our students," said Southern Wells Junior/Senior High School principal Chad Yencer shortly before the polls closed.

The district asked for no more than 12.5 cents on each $100 of assessed property value, which would provide the school corporation with an additional $300,000 per year for the next seven calendar years.

Falling revenue from the state is forcing district leaders to do more with less. Since 2000, 10 teaching position have been eliminated. In addition, summer school has been canceled and the maintenance staff has been reduced.

Dotting the landscape in southern Wells County were yellow signs in support of the referendum which contrast against the red-stop sign like banners showing opposition to the measure, which Yencer said was crucial to preventing more staff and program cuts.