OXFORD – After 2 1/2 years of planning and several trips back to the drawing board, the Oxford Academy and Central School District has received the approval of its residents to proceed with a proposed $4.65 million phase one capital project which will renovate and refurbish each of the school system’s existing buildings.

The matter was decided Thursday by voter referendum held from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Oxford High School. According to District Clerk Michele Rice, a total of 287 votes were cast, with 152 for the project and 135 against.

A total of 27 absentee ballots were received, she reported, 18 of which were counted. The remaining nine were deemed invalid.

Members of the district’s school board and administration, as well as community members who were involved with the process as part of a Facility Advisory Committee, expressed their happiness with the outcome of the vote.

“The board is very pleased with our community’s support of our Phase I Capital Project,” said President Robin DeBrita, speaking on behalf of the district’s board of education. “This project will address our building’s immediate needs and is the result of the dedicated efforts of many of our school staff and community members.”

DeBrita added her belief that approval of the project was a testament to the value and importance the Oxford community places on education.