Voters in the Valparaiso school district will consider a property tax referendum this spring. The school board Monday agreed to put an operating referendum on the May 3 ballot.
Superintendent Dr. Jim McCall says it would let the school corporation continue the initiatives put in place thanks to the 2015 referendum, but at a lower tax rate. "Altogether, this is a very student-centered plan. We're talking about 30 full-time teachers, multiple support staff, and that continued retention bonus for all teachers and staff," McCall said.
Specifically, the referendum asks voters to extend the property tax increase for another eight years, while lowering the maximum rate from more than 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to less than 15 cents — which McCall notes would put Valpo below many neighboring districts' referenda.
But some local residents voiced concerns during Monday's meeting.
"Why are you asking us? It's the job of the state legislature of Indiana to fund public education. You are telling the taxpayers of Valparaiso that the state lawmakers are not doing their job. Why don't you tell them that?" asked Brian Williams.
Others opposed the timing of the referendum, noting that the school district recently got federal COVID money while some families are still struggling because of the pandemic.
Some also questioned the cost of the referendum process itself. The school board Monday formally agreed to hire law firm Barnes & Thornburg and accounting firm LWG. But neither engagement letter appears to have a maximum price. Instead, each firm may charge a range of hourly rates, depending on the work being done and the individual doing it.
