(09/27/06) SPARTA ? Sparta homeowners barely put the stamp of approval on a major high school facelift with the passage of a $71.5 million school referendum Tuesday night.

The money will help expand and renovate Sparta High School, which was built 50 years ago. The referendum?s narrow 2,985 to 2,766 passage was cause for celebration in the high school?s halls Wednesday, with both teachers and students applauding the approval. Students say the school?s cramped hallways and crowded classrooms are a sign the renovation is long overdue.

School Superintendent Tom Morton says the primary goal of the facelift is to accommodate Sparta High School?s growing enrollment. Construction is slated to begin next year. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010.