Submitted
Last week, Sheridan Community Schools (SCS) Superintendent Dave Mundy hosted a community meeting to share the successes at SCS. There were about 60 individuals present to learn about the school corporation’s efforts for long-term planning in every aspect from facilities to student programming.
Mundy explained that SCS is ready for future growth. He outlined expected enrollment increases, sharing information about new housing developments as well as demographic studies that have been extremely accurate over the years for the corporation.
Mundy also shared the great success Sheridan students are having and spotlighted programs including sports, academics, FFA, internships, and the arts.
“There is a lot of work going on regarding future planning and ensuring our students receive every opportunity we can make available to them,” Mundy said. “We’re the best-kept secret in the entire state! And … we won’t be able to keep our secret quiet much longer!”
Mundy presented data on transfer students, showing the number has doubled in the last five years: from 7 percent of the school population in 2017-2018 to 14 percent in 2022-2023. These students choose to attend Sheridan from other districts, and because of the state funding formula, funding follows the student.
School finance is complicated and often misunderstood, and Mundy explained how certain funding streams must be used for designated purposes. For instance, tax funds earmarked for building projects cannot be used for salaries. Referendum funds as set up on the ballot, on the other hand, cannot be used for capital building projects and are primarily used for teacher salaries.
The session ended with Mundy explaining the referendum that will be on the ballot in November, stressing that despite the strange wording on the ballot (as required by state law) the referendum is a renewal of the current operating referendum and will not negatively affect taxes since the former referendum is rolling off. The referendum goes directly to teacher salaries and other support staff wages – every penny of it. Without it, there would be significant cuts with negative consequences for the school and community as the referendum is 12 percent of the current SCS budget.
Following the session, Mundy said, “It is great to see so many community members present at all our informational sessions. We have always received such tremendous support from all our former and current Blackhawk families. We have a tremendous amount to be proud of and our goal is to continue this trend of success and build towards an even greater future.”
Mundy said he looks forward to speaking with anyone who may be interested in SCS and the referendum.
“Patrons are always welcome to stop by or reach out if there are any questions,” he concluded.