(AP) – The Galena School District will begin improvement projects at some of its schools after voters easily approved a $7.5 million bond issue.

The Cherokee County clerk’s office said the issue passed Tuesday by a 346-135 margin.

The Joplin Globe reports the bond issue will pay for additional classroom space at Spring Grove Elementary and Galena High School and areas to be used as tornado shelters.

The bonds also will pay for a new high school gymnasium with locker rooms, a concession area, a fitness room and a walking track. School officials say the projects should be completed by the start of the 2014 school year.

The bond issue will raise the cost of a $100,000 home by about $92 a year.