Voters in Dell Rapids once again have rejected a bond issue for a new elementary school.

It is the fourth time such a proposal has gone down to defeat in the southeast South Dakota town. The measure needed approval of 60 percent of voters but got only 59.7 percent in unofficial returns Monday night.

School officials said the nearly $11 million proposal was needed to help meet basic needs for student safety and academic achievement. Opponents said the proposal was too expensive, and that raising taxes in a poor economy was unwise.

School Board President Alan Blankenfeld says the board will canvass the votes and discuss what to do at its next meeting.