Valparaiso Community Schools is making the final push for its operating referendum. Superintendent Dr. Jim McCall says the district has a tremendous amount of support heading into the May 3 ballot.
"The support feels great, and the yard signs are a sight to behold for sure. But they don't count support on May 3, and they don't count yard signs on May 3. The only thing they county on May 3 is the vote," McCall told the school board Thursday.
Voters are being asked to renew the school district's 2015 referendum for another eight years but at a lower maximum rate, going from more than 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to less than 15 cents. McCall said that money funds 70 staff members, including 30 teachers.
"It's expanded programming; extra teachers in STEM, world language, music and career and technical education grades six through 12. It's the 13 social workers. It's the district-wide behaviorist. It's an extra guidance counselor at the high school," McCall added.
Even community members who have concerns with certain decisions made by Valparaiso Community Schools voiced their support for the referendum during Thursday's school board meeting. Rebecca Tomerlin presented a petition opposing the decrease in specials teachers at Central Elementary School, but felt approval of the referendum was the only way the district could address the issue.
"Without that referendum, I know I don't even have a chance. And I know downstate, they're not funding us, so it is up to us. It is up to the school. It is up to the parents. It is up to the residents," Tomerlin said.
Jessica Jepsen, one of the school board's most vocal critics in recent months, said she's torn on the referendum and wanted to know what the school district is doing to increase state funding. "I would like to see what type of strategic plans you're putting together, if you have a committee, to help draw extra funds into our community for our schools. Like, how are we going to do that? How are we going to lobby downstate?" she asked.
However, Jepsen commended the school corporation for its dyslexia programs put in place with support from referendum funds.
