If the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board chooses to renew or place another tax amount on a funding referendum, it would be in November.  The current operating referendum expires at the end of 2023.  That referendum generates just under $26 million in annual revenue for HSE Schools.

The board had a number of questions for HSE Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Katy Dowling in a Tuesday morning work session.  Most centered on where the money generated by the referendum is spent, such as how much goes to pay administrators.

Dowling did a deep dive into the history of school referenda in Indiana and the HSE 2016 operating referendum.  In 2016, the school district said the referendum money would go toward reducing classroom sizes, deal with the pay scale for the teaching staff and improve academic programs.  That referendum was also utilized to add assistant principals in elementary buildings.

Dowling encouraged board members to ask her questions and she would provide any data requested by the board.

There is not enough time to place the referendum question on the May primary ballot.  The previous board did not act on the referendum, presumably so the new board can make that decision.

Board members made no commitments but indicated a decision would be needed in the coming weeks and months.

In 2016, HSE School District voters approved a referendum adding 22.75 cents to the tax rate, per $100 of assessed property tax valuation.  Although voters vote up or down on a referendum, the board decides what amount to request of taxpayers in a referendum.