VERNONIA, Ore. -- Voters in Vernonia approved a bond measure Tuesday that pledges millions of dollars for a new school.

The measure passed 61 percent to 39 percent and will generate millions for a new school building.

Over the past 11 years, floods have damaged Vernonia's three schools. Most recently, in December 2007, the high school was inundated by five feet of sewer water.

The new school will be built on a park outside of the flood plain. Once complete, the $37 million school will house kindergarten through 12th grade students.

It is set to open in 2011.

"The schools are in desperate need. We need to move to high ground. We can't afford another flood," said Amy Cielowla, a parent.

Vernonia Voters OK Measure To Build School