School referenda success rates examined

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In the next several weeks, Washington Township schools will ask the community for input on a $5 million referendum vote scheduled for next May.

Earlier this week, Center Grove schools withdrew its plans to ask voters to pass a tax increase.

In July 2008, a new law required schools to get taxpayer approval for big projects. Now schools face a very hard sell to get the money they say they need.

Center Grove High School Principal Matt Shockley shows several areas in his school that need to be renovated, such as the cafeteria and narrow hallways and stairwells.

"It's very difficult for students to get up the stairwell," said Principal Shockley.

But wishes will have to wait. Superintendent Steven Stephanoff has pulled the plug on a special election that would have asked voters to approve a tax increase for $142 million in building projects.

"The clear message that I was getting was great project, wrong time," said Superintendent Stephanoff.

Washington Township Schools is seeking more than $5 million for salaries and programs.

Superintendent Jim Mervilde said taxpayers won't see a tax increase because taxpayer funding for the building fund will be reduced. But he admits it's a distinction he must make voters understand.

"We really have to say to people we're not going to increase your taxes, we're just going to change the way we spend the money," said Superintendent Mervilde.

Since the new law went into effect, 18 Indiana school districts have held referenda votes. School districts have been successful seven times and defeated eleven.

Eight more votes are scheduled through 2010.

What success can they expect?

University of Indianapolis Political Science professor, Dr. Carrie Cihasky said voters nationally have been more supportive of tax increases for education than anything else, but they want schools to renovate, not build new.

She said, "The climate is there. It just really depends on what the money is used towards."

Dr. Cihasky said another factor that can work either for or against schools is other issues on the ballot.

If issues bring out Democrats, she said school referenda get passed more often because Democrats are more likely than Republicans to vote for tax increases.