Voters asked to approve $6.1 million a year to pay, retain staff

This article is brought to you by Alexandra Daniels Durham for Kokomo School Board.

When local voters go to the ballot box on Nov. 5, they’ll find the usual array of political races on their cards: President, senators, representatives, commissioners, council seats, and school board posts. But they’ll also find a very important referendum that will directly impact them.

The Kokomo School Corporation (KSC) received permission from the state to request an eight-year increase in property taxes so that it can recruit and retain staff as well as improve the corporation’s technology infrastructure. The question will appear at the bottom of the ballots, and voters may vote the question up or down.

Last week, KSC Superintendent Michael Sargent made a plea on social media to voters, requesting that they approve tax increase.

“On or before Nov. 5, Kokomo Center Township residents will have the opportunity to choose to invest in our 5,400 students and 800 staff members, including our dedicated teachers, through a public question on the general election ballot,” said Sargent. “Kokomo Schools has been a cornerstone of our community, serving students and families for over 150 years. Strong schools equal strong communities, and I believe in our Wildkat community!”

Information also was presented at the public KSC school board meeting, explaining why the tax increase is needed and how the proceeds would be spent.

The plan calls for $4 million to be spent on raises for teachers, therapists, instructional aides, custodians, secretarial staff, bus drivers, social workers, nurses IT staff, and administrators. It also allows for professional development, recruitment and employee retention efforts.

Another $1.1 million is earmarked for raises for facilitators, coaches, and counselors who provide support for elementary literacy and secondary programs to prepare students for college and careers.

Finally, $1 million is aimed at upgrading the school corporation’s technology infrastructure and software.

The public question will appear on ballots with the following text:

“Shall Kokomo School Corporation increase property taxes paid to schools by homeowners and businesses for eight (8) years immediately following the holding of the referendum for the purpose of enhancing learning opportunities and academic programs for students; retaining, recruiting, and supporting teachers and staff through professional development to improve student learning outcomes; and upgrading technology infrastructure and software for teachers, staff, and students, at a maximum referendum property tax rate of $0.26? If this public question is approved by voters, the average property tax paid to schools per year on a resident would increase by 31.04% and the average property tax paid to schools per year on a business property would increase by 23.95%.”

It should be noted that the percentages listed in the question only pertain to the portion of the tax levy allocated to schools. A taxpayer’s overall tax bill will not increase by those percentages.

The cost of this increase to taxpayers will be 26 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on property. This translates into an additional tax of $84 a year on a $100,000 home that has a standard tax deduction and homestead deduction.

An acre of agricultural land would see an increase of $6 per year, and commercial properties worth $100,000 would be assessed an additional $260 a year in taxes.

Only those taxpayers who own property within the boundaries of the Kokomo Schools Corp. district will be impacted by this increase. Those not owning property or living outside the district will not be directly affected.

The corporation also made a statement, encouraging taxpayers to agree to the investment of tax dollars in public education.

“Our dedicated and committed teachers, staff, and administrators are key to the success of KSC. Our faculty and staff significantly impact the lives of our KSC students.

“During the past several years, KSC has implemented significant cost-saving measures, which has improved our position in our area. Now, we require the support of the community to invest in our students, ensuring that KSC can compete with the school corporations that already have received community funding through a referendum.

“By investing in our students, KSC will continue to enhance and develop educational opportunities for college and careers. This investment includes expanding college programs in high school and creating new pathways through Career and Technical education.

“Investing in our students provides KSC with a long-term avenue to continue our focus on elementary literacy. Investing in our schools allows KSC to maintain and update technology infrastructure and software programs.”