HSE Board approves placing operating referendum on November ballot

Submitted by Hamilton Southeastern Schools

The Hamilton Southeastern Board of School Trustees approved a resolution Wednesday evening, June 10, to replace the current operating referendum.

The proposed referendum funding would continue supporting teacher retention and school safety staffing, while also helping fund student behavioral health services.

The proposal includes a maximum rate of $0.36 per $100 of assessed property value over an eight-year term. Under Indiana law, school districts must seek voter approval for the highest possible rate they may need during the life of the referendum. District leaders anticipate recommending a much lower rate in the early years and strategically adjusting as necessary to address future financial needs. If approved, the Board of School Trustees would annually establish the referendum rate along with a spending plan outlining how referendum funds will be used during that budget year.

Pascoe

“In response to SEA-1, the Board has referred this measure to voters,” said Tiffany Pascoe, president of the HSE Board of School Trustees. “This referendum would help sustain the district’s long-term financial outlook, and preserve the programs, services and resources that support student success. The decision now rests with our community.”

HSE Schools has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining high-quality educational opportunities for students. Recently, the district identified more than $7 million in ongoing cost reductions through staffing adjustments, operational efficiencies, contract reviews and other cost-saving measures. Despite those efforts, district leaders continue to face financial pressures related to rising costs and reductions in local revenue resulting from recent changes to Indiana property tax law.

Kegley

“We serve a community with high expectations for both academic excellence and the high-quality programs and professional staff that support our students,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “This recommendation takes a pragmatic approach by seeking to recover a portion of the revenue lost through SEA-1, while still allowing homeowners to pay less than pre-SEA-1 projections.”

Community organizations, civic groups and neighborhood associations interested in learning more about the proposed referendum may request a presentation from Superintendent Dr. Kegley and Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown by completing this form.

Additional information, financial presentations and frequently asked questions are available at hseschools.org/finances.