MCCSC Referendum
On the November 2016 ballot, there will be an opportunity to vote on the Monroe County Community School Corporation's referendum to help fund the school system.
Why do we need to pass a local referendum to adequately fund our schools? How did Indiana become a "referendum state"?
Three major state decisions have affected the funding of public schools in Indiana.
With state funding at subsistence levels, Indiana has become a “referendum state.” Passing a referendum is the one local means that communities have to maintain the quality and variety of public school programs.
- In 2008, much of school funding shifted from property tax to state sales tax, reducing local control.
- Then, in 2009, Governor Mitch Daniels cut $300 million from public school budgets. Overnight, MCCSC lost roughly $3 million in state revenue. Those funds have never been restored.
- In 2010, a cap was placed on property tax, further reducing funds for public schools.
With state funding at subsistence levels, Indiana has become a “referendum state.” Passing a referendum is the one local means that communities have to maintain the quality and variety of public school programs.
How did our community respond to state cuts?
MCCSC voters authorized a six-year referendum in 2010. This funding supports 81 of our district’s teachers (more than 10%) and has enabled our schools to maintain class sizes, extracurricular activities, world language offerings, experiential learning at Honey Creek and Bradford Woods, and alternative high school education. The funding also supports six new preschool classrooms and staff who provide individual support for literacy.
The 2010 referendum expires at the end of 2016. To maintain this crucial revenue, the MCCSC board of trustees will place a question on the November ballot to continue referendum funding. For more information about the referendum effort, or to volunteer, visit YesforMCCSC.org.
The 2010 referendum expires at the end of 2016. To maintain this crucial revenue, the MCCSC board of trustees will place a question on the November ballot to continue referendum funding. For more information about the referendum effort, or to volunteer, visit YesforMCCSC.org.
How will the 2016 referendum affect my tax rate?
Passage of the referendum will not increase your property tax rate. The 2016 referendum is for a slightly lower rate than the 2010 referendum, and it will take effect as the 2010 referendum expires.
2010-2016 Referendum Rate: 14.02 cents per $100 net assessed valuation (AV)*
2016-2022 Referendum Rate: 11.5 cents per $100 net AV
2010-2016 Referendum Rate: 14.02 cents per $100 net assessed valuation (AV)*
2016-2022 Referendum Rate: 11.5 cents per $100 net AV
*Because the AV of local property has risen, MCCSC has never taken the full rate, instead averaging 12.80 cents per $100 net AV.
For a flyer to print out and share with neighbors, click below.
| icpe_referendum_info_sheet.pdf |