There will be no referendum for renovations to the LBI Grade School and eventual consolidation of all district staff and student body into the 1950s-era building following a 5-4 school board vote against asking voters in five Island communities to approve the $7.6 million expenditure. Surf City representative John McMenamin cast the deciding vote just after 10 p.m. at the board meeting Aug. 28.

There was what can only be termed stunned silence after the vote with whispers from audience members, many of whom had…