Tribune Reports Elkhart is "Next up on Referendum Train"

From the South Bend Tribune:

In the wake of voters rejecting a referendum that would've infused $28 million into the schools, Mishawaka Superintendent Terry Barker recently delivered a long slate of budget-slashing ideas to the public.

Just before that, he made a prediction.
"The reality is, we are on the front end" of many, he said, "We just got here first."

Less than a week later, Elkhart schools Superintendent Robert Haworth told his board a similar story of money woes.
 

Circuit Breaker tax caps, meant to provide relief to property owners, reduced Elkhart schools' levies-generated revenue by $4.8 million -- some 52 percent -- last year, Haworth said.
 

Compounding that, are the district's facilities needs, he said, which include safety upgrades to schools and two 40-year-old swimming pools that need significant repairs.
 

But the most pressing necessity, Haworth said, is in the district's transportation operating fund.
 

To save money on busing, the distance students must walk to school was increased to two miles several years ago and the length of the elementary school day was extended.
 

But, Haworth said, that's resulted in some kids arriving home from school, after a two-mile walk, at 5:15 p.m. or later, which is less than ideal.
 

The answer, he believes, could be taxpayer-funded capital infusions.
 

The district is considering a voter referendum; actually two referendums. One would augment the transportation operating fund and the other would cover facilities repairs and upgrades.

At a hearing on Jan. 6, Elkhart's school board will hear the administration's plan, take public input on it and then vote on whether to proceed.
 

If the board approves moving forward, the question or questions will be on the ballot in May.
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http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/education/next-up-on-the-referendum-train-elkhart-schools/article_32f871f6-6973-11e3-96cc-001a4bcf6878.html