The County Line
Are we headed toward financing education by referendum? Probably not yet, but there is a trend toward raising funds for school expenses by going to the voters to approve large amounts of money for such things as construction projects, teacher salary increases, school security and mental health services.
State law allows school districts to ask their voters to approve millions of dollars for a period of seven years with no limit set on amounts requested or specific reasons as long as the money goes to education-related services. At least a half-dozen times in recent years most Hamilton County schools have raised “new money” in this way.
There is no doubt that some funds are needed, and school officials would say all the money is needed. But, it seems almost too frequent and too easy, parents with school-age children and school personnel are usually made aware of a referendum and often encouraged to vote. This usually brings an affirmative outcome.
The general public believes we now have a strict limit on property taxes. But, those tax levies that come about by referendum are not subject to the controls. One increase or even two brought about by referendum are not going to be a huge burden. But, if this becomes a frequent practice, it will become a problem especially for folks on fixed incomes, who are among the people controls were designed to protect.
Carmel Clay Schools are planning a referendum in November which will raise about $5 million. The major part of the money will go to school security. No one will be opposed to security, but specifically what security measures are planned?
It’s not just Carmel and it’s not security in every case. It’s a question of whether the referendum is the way to answer every need.
The public needs to be aware of specifics wherever the next referendum is sought, and, in the not too distant future, decide whether financing education costs by referendum is a good idea.