Resolution 16-08

This resolution is sponsored by all Councilmembers and expresses support for the Monroe County School Corporation’s (the Corporation) continuing funding referendum to appear on the ballot in November 2016. The resolution points out that the well being of the community is closely tied to the quality of our public schools. Quality schools are a key component of economic development, make for safer communities, save residents money in the long run and produce future residents who contribute to the collective community good. Since the State of Indiana shifted its public school funding in 2009 from reliance on property tax to reliance on sales and income tax, the Corporation suffered significant funding cuts. In response to the funding loss, in 2010, the community overwhelmingly passed a tax referendum to restore teachers to the classroom and to restore many critical educational services. As the 2010 referendum is soon expiring, Res 16-08 expresses support for the Corporation’s continuing referendum, a measure that will levy a tax rate increase of approximately 11.5 cents per $100 of net assessed valuation for the six years immediately following the referendum’s passage. The continuing referendum ensures that the Corporation will continue to fund vital teaching positions, improve student-teacher ratios, and educational services.