HSE Schools lowers initial referendum rate

Submitted by HSE Schools

With the recent release of the actual 2027 Certified Net Assessed Referendum values for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, the district has lowered the anticipated first-year rate for its proposed replacement operating referendum from $0.2275 to $0.2200 per $100 of assessed property value.

At the revised rate, a homeowner with a 2026 gross assessed value of $400,000 is estimated to pay approximately $26 more per year in 2027 than under the current referendum. The district’s previous estimate was $37 per year.

The adjustment reflects HSE Schools’ continued effort to balance the district’s financial needs with the impact on taxpayers.

Kegley

“We understand the responsibility that comes with asking our community for additional support,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “As we have said from the beginning of this process, we will continue to make adjustments to ensure we are recommending only what is needed to support our students and staff, while remaining mindful of the impact on homeowners. With the release of the actual 2027 CNAVs [Certified Net Assessed Values], we were able to refine our projections and reduce the anticipated impact on homeowners.”

Voters will consider the proposed replacement operating referendum on Nov. 3. The ballot will list a maximum rate of $0.36 per $100 of assessed property value over eight years. Under Indiana law, school districts must seek voter approval for the highest possible rate they may need during the life of the referendum. That does not mean the maximum rate would be collected in the first year or even in subsequent years.

If the referendum is approved by voters in November, the HSE Board of School Trustees would establish the actual tax rate each year based on a recommendation from district administrators as part of the public budget process. The Board would also approve an annual spending plan outlining how referendum funds will be used for the following year. Based on current projections, district leaders anticipate recommending an initial rate of $0.22 for 2027.

Throughout this process, HSE Schools has identified more than $7 million in ongoing cost reductions through staffing adjustments, operational efficiencies, contract reviews and other measures. Despite those reductions, the district continues to face rising costs and an estimated $45 million reduction in projected referendum revenue over the last six years of the current referendum due to changes in Indiana property tax law.

The proposed replacement referendum would help support teacher compensation and retention, school safety staffing, and student behavioral health services.

Because the impact will vary based on a property’s assessed value and classification, residents are encouraged to use the district’s updated referendum calculator to view an estimate specific to their property.

Additional information, frequently asked questions and upcoming community meeting dates are available at hseschools.org/community/referendum-2026. Groups are also able to schedule a presentation about the referendum from members of the HSE team on the website.