Perryville students describe daily struggles after voters reject Proposition K.I.D.S.

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — After voters rejected Proposition K.I.D.S. in the April 7 election, students in Perryville are speaking out about what daily life still looks like inside their school.

More than a year after a tornado damaged Perryville High School, students remain split across multiple buildings, including a tent structure, older school facilities and a career center.

For student Cara Fulmer, that means constant movement throughout the day.

“So right now, we are split between the four different buildings… there’s not one time throughout the day that I’m not moving, building to building, having to commute outside or take a bus,” Fulmer said.

Students often walk outside between classes — regardless of weather — or rely on transportation to get across campus.

“And it’s just rain or shine. We’re out there because we don’t always have a bus for us, and that’s been really tough for when it’s been colder out, and then when it’s super hot out,” Fulmer said.

Even inside, she says learning can be difficult.

“So right now I have speech in that building. So it’s kind of difficult because we have to give our speeches while we also have the ruffling of the basically blanket on the outside of the building… and the sound of the AC unit as we’re trying to talk,” she said. “It’s difficult to focus.”

Fulmer recently shared her experience in a social media post following the election results, explaining that the issue goes beyond building upgrades.

“I wish the community would understand that the tax raise isn’t just so we have like a better school… it’s for our educational purposes and that we all… want to learn better and be back in one building underneath the same roof,” she said.

She said she was shocked when the measure failed, especially as she prepares to enter her senior year under the same conditions.

“It was definitely a shock… I was just in shock and upset because that was my future,” Fulmer said.

Her mother, Jennifer Fulmer, echoed those concerns, saying the decision could have long-term effects on both students and the community.

“We have to look forward to the future. If we don’t spend the money now, we don’t grow — our community dies and our high school goes with it,” said.

In a statement following the election, Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones said while the district is disappointed Proposition K.I.D.S. did not pass, the challenges caused by the March 2025 tornado remain.

“Our mission remains unchanged,” Jones said. “Our priority remains the safety and education of our students.”

Jones added that district leaders will begin discussing next steps in the coming weeks, as newly elected board members take office.

For now, students and teachers continue adapting.

“We love that the teachers are being welcoming to us and that they’re trying this hard for us,” Fulmer said. “They continue to push us to do our best no matter what the circumstances are.”

Students say they hope their experiences help the community better understand what they face each day — and what’s at stake moving forward.