SCS board approves operating referendum for Nov. 3 ballot

The Shelbyville Central Schools Board of Trustees voted 6-0 Monday to place an operating referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The referendum would provide funding to maintain current educational and operational programs in response to declining enrollment and significant reductions in property tax revenue anticipated over the coming years.

If approved by voters, the referendum would authorize an additional property tax rate of $0.22 per $100 of assessed value for a period of eight years.

For a median home assessed at $200,000, property taxes would increase by approximately $191 annually, or approximately $15.92 per month.

Revenue generated through the referendum would be used to support and maintain existing educational programs, student services, staffing, transportation, safety initiatives, and day-to-day district operations.

“They are saying there will be 50 to 60 districts running one in November,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance Wednesday afternoon. “It will be shattering records. It’s not anything anybody wants to do. We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have to.”

According to district officials, recent changes resulting from Indiana's Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1) are expected to substantially reduce property tax revenues that support public schools, creating significant financial challenges for school districts across the state.

"Due to the passage of SEA 1, Shelbyville Central Schools is facing a dramatic reduction in local revenue over the next several years," said Dr. Vance. "The board's decision to place this referendum before voters is about protecting the educational opportunities and services our students receive every day. This referendum is not intended to expand programs, but rather to maintain the quality education, support students, and operational services our community expects from Shelbyville Central Schools. We believe it is important to provide our residents with the opportunity to decide how we address these financial challenges while continuing to meet the needs of our students."

District officials emphasized that community members will have multiple opportunities to learn more about the referendum before Election Day. Information sessions, public presentations, and informational materials will be provided to help residents understand the impact of SEA 1, the district's financial outlook, and the purpose of the referendum.

Additional information about the proposed operating referendum will be shared in the coming months through the Shelbyville Central Schools website (scs.shelbycs.org), social media channels, and other district communications.

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the SCS monthly e-newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/shelbycs/scs-newsletter-sign-up) to receive updates on the referendum and stay connected to news and highlights from across the district.

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