MCCSC superintendent: '... we’re going to ask our taxpayers' for 2nd tax referendum

Banners and yard signs imploring voters to "Vote Yes On #2, Our Students Need You!" were all around Monroe County in 2010, when voters did vote "yes" on a tax increase for Monroe County Community School Corp. schools.

Thirteen years later, those signs could be resurrected as the school district anchored in Bloomington seeks another tax increase, in addition to one passed six months ago, to meet needs of students.

The new tax would provide access to preschool for all 3- to 5-year-olds. It would be offered on a sliding scale based on income, and free for low-income families. Funds also would provide free instruction materials and cover the cost of specialized exams and career education.

Monroe County Community School Corp. Superintendent Jeff Hauswald called the referendum "family centered and community focused," saying it will support children's educational needs by paying for things that help students succeed.

"We know it’s the right thing to do, so can we do it locally?" Hauswald asked during a May 24 community meeting where he explained the new school tax proposal. "We’re going to ask our taxpayers that.”

More: Congrats! Bloomington's four high schools send 754 students off to their futures

He lamented that the state doesn't fully financially support public education, leaving shortages for local districts to figure out and supplement.

He said that part of the .085 proposed rate, which in 8.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value, will make up for a decrease in the school tax referendum Monroe County voters approved last November.

He explained that a new law that puts a cap on how fast a school tax rate can grow means that the .185 rate approved nine months ago, 18.5 cents, will be reduced by up to 3% next year.

MCCSC expects to get the first money from the November referendum next month.

Resident David Sabbagh suggested the board delay the new referendum one year so taxpayers can "catch their breath" in the wake of the last year's school referendum and big property tax hikes this year.

Hauswald said waiting isn't an option. "There is urgency," he said, "especially after the state did not fund early childhood education (this past legislative session) and then lowered our 2022 rate."

The proposed new tax would last eight years, as will the one passed in 2022. The MCCSC's two previous referendums, passed in 2010 and in 2016, were each six years.

Hauswald envisions preschool classrooms in each of the MCCSC's elementary schools. He said the space and need are there, but what's missing is money to develop programs and pay staff.

"Indiana is one of six or seven states that do not fund early childhood education, which is the most significant thing that results in student performance and success," he said.

Hauswald said MCCSC's tax rates are low compared to similar districts, and among the lowest 10% of school districts in the state.

He said it's become clear that school tax referendums level the playing field. "We realized if we were going to do more, we had to ask for more."

The school board is expected at its June 27 meeting to vote on whether to put the referendum on the November ballot. Since just city offices are in the election, referendum voting will extend to county precincts in all but Richland and Bean Blossom townships, which fund the Richland-Bean Blossom school district.

"I hate that we have to do it," Hauswald said of the proposed tax increase. "I hate that we have to ask. But we take care of our students. We have a collective vision."

Contact Herald-Times reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: MCCSC superintendent explains why 2nd tax referendum needed