ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Francis Howell voters approved both funding measures Tuesday, but the two approvals solve different financial problems and cannot be treated as one interchangeable pot of money.

Proposition H, the $150 million facility bond, received about 61 percent support. Proposition O, a transfer within the existing tax levy, passed with about 53 percent, according to regional public-radio reporting.

The district says the 12.5-cent levy transfer will redirect about $5.5 million annually from debt service to operations, supporting salaries, curriculum and student programs without raising the overall rate.

Bond proceeds are for buildings and capital improvements, including aging systems, safety, accessibility and instructional spaces. They cannot substitute for ongoing operating revenue.

The district’s published projections identify a $2.6 million fiscal 2027 operating deficit and wider pressure from benefits, transportation and state funding. Passage does not by itself erase every long-term budget challenge.

The next accountability questions concern which projects proceed first, what contracts cost and whether the operating transfer improves reserves as projected. This updates the pre-election preview; election certification remains pending.