Dear Editor:
As we move towards the referendum this May 2, I want to clear up and answer all questions that may still exist. Over the past two months we have worked diligently to make sure the reasoning for continuation of our referendum have been made public. Several of the reasons include major loses in operating funds from student dollars, changes in assessment calculations, and other variables outside the control of myself, the board, or the district. Most people with which we have spoken have been surprised to learn that these losses will have a total of over $700,000. However, even during these loses we have continued to keep our promise from the last referendum that we would not ever increase our tax rate during that time, and, in fact, we have reduced our overall rate 15 cents since 2014. This is due to the continual monitoring of our all the various aspects of our finances.
It is important to note that this is NOT a new referendum, nor is it in addition to our current one. The election is to allow Sheridan Community Schools to continue its current referendum at a slightly increased rate, and still keeping our tax rate as low as possible. If the referendum passed on May 2, then the current rate ceases on Jan. 1 2018 and the new rate would begin – they DO NOT overlap.
This referendum is about the continued excellence of Sheridan Schools as our current referendum will be expiring very soon. We will be asking the community to vote YES for a continuation of this funding in so we can continue down a very positive path of success for our students and everyone in Sheridan. While the rate is a bit higher than the current referendum rate, it will still keep our rate lower than it was just three years ago. It is also important to note that these are not overlapping referendums. If the new referendum amount passes, then the old number ceases at the end of the fiscal year. Coinciding with the implementation of the new referendum rate.
Voting YES means you are helping to maintain a strong SCS school district and strong academic programs. You will also help us continue to increase our district academic and programing goals. The focus of the referendum funds will be continued excellence for the district as we look to maintain class sizes, enhance existing and needed programs, and continue the success we are seeing in graduation rates and student accomplishment.
Please help support Sheridan Community Schools with a YES vote on May 2. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions as dmundy@att.net or visit our website at sheridanyes.com.
Thanks you for all you do and as a district we great appreciate your support.
Dave Mundy
Sheridan Community Schools