Following the defeat of a ballot referendum to raise the property tax levy in Argos, local school officials say they’re still optimistic the community will come together for its students.
The measure, defeated on a 753-534 vote margin, would have raised taxes to a maximum rate of $0.61 per $100 of assessed valuation. The applied tax would have been lower depending on the year.
Argos Community Schools Superintendent Michelle Riise says the school board was disappointed the increase did not pass.
“I think we were counting on that as something that would help us immediately so that it could buy us seven years to put a more firm plan in place for Argos Community Schools,” says Riise. “But that’s not the case right now. Now, it’s something that’s right at our doorstep that we have to address.”
The proposal would have supplemented the school corporation’s general fund which, like many other rural school districts, has seen reduced funding due to formula changes at the state level.
It’s imperative now for the school corporation to address their revenue shortfalls quickly and in a manner that least impacts students. Plans have not been finalized, but initial indications are that Reductions in Force will be forthcoming as will program cuts.
Riise says she’s been tasked with developing the list of programs to be cut first.
“Also, we’re going to have to look forward as to the future of Argos Community Schools and what we want for our students,” says Riise.
The organization Taxpayers for Argos Schools and Kids worked diligently throughout the campaign season in an attempt to spread facts about the funding issue. Riise says they did a superb job promoting the cause.
The corporation’s school board will likely hold an executive session next week with the first wave of decisions expected during May’s school board meeting.
Riise says she’s is still optimistic the community will come together to do what’s best for its youth.
