The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Sheridan Community Schools (SCS) will work with the community to renew its current referendum via the process put in place by the Indiana General Assembly in 2008.
According to Superintendent Dr. Dave Mundy, if voters are not familiar with the process, it can be very confusing. It is important to note that the wording of the public question on the ballot in its current form is required by state law. SCS has followed all guidelines and expectations in putting this question together.
The district wants the community to know that the amount requested is NOT an increase.
“While the question makes it sound like we are making an adjustment or adding more to the taxpayer, we are not doing that at all,” Mundy said. “We are asking the community to continue to support us at the current tax rate and renew this amount for the next eight years.”
Districts are required by law to renew any referendum, whether they are renewing at the same rate or a different rate, every eight years. This is also a part of the state statute.
Mundy wants voters to understand that although the wording may seem confusing and challenging, the wording is dedicated by statute and not the district. SCS has worked very hard to get the word out that as he explained, “This is a vote to allow the district to continue to attract and retain top quality teachers and staff, which we are currently doing.”
Mundy continued, “We encourage you to vote ‘YES’ on the public question, and that all we are asking is to continue to push our successes and community forward for both the short and long term.”
It is also important to note that the school tax rate is only a portion of the overall property taxes.
Mundy encourages anyone who has questions to reach out to him directly at the SCS district office by calling (317) 758-4172 ext. 2308.
The question on the ballot is below. Sheridan Community Schools is asking voters to continue with the same rate which is currently in place:
Shall Sheridan Community Schools continue to impose increased property taxes paid to the school corporation by homeowners and businesses for eight (8) years immediately following the holding of the referendum for the purpose of funding and attraction of teachers and staff, academic related programs and operational expenses at the current maximum referendum tax rate of $0.25? The property tax increase requested in this referendum was originally approved by the voters in 2017 and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per years on the residence within the school corporation by the 23.05% and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a business property within the school corporation by 23.05%.