A referendum that would have raised $40 million to build a new school campus in Waterville and close several older ones failed Tuesday.

More than twice as many voters said no than said yes to the referendum, which went down to its second defeat. A similar referendum failed in the Waterville-Elysian-Morristown school district in 2003. Of the 2,357 votes cast, 1,657 were cast against, and 700 were cast in favor.

Had it passed, the project would have allowed for the purchase of a 60-acre school site just north of Highway 13 on Waterville Road, and the construction of a new school with capacity for 1,000 students.

The district currently operates an elementary school in Elysian, an elementary/junior high in Morristown, and an elementary/high school in Waterville.