Mishawaka school $25.6 million referendums pass by more than 70 percent margins

More than 70 percent of voters approved an operating referendum and a capital referendum that will raise a total of $25.6 million for the school system’s facilities and operations, including employee raises, technology and safety upgrades and new programming options for schools.

In 2013, the same percentage of voters turned down a $28 million referendum for the school district.

The next step, schools Superintendent Dean Speicher said, is to return to the community work groups that had provided input on what changes need to be made in the schools, then get their guidance on buying new technology and hiring an architectural firm.

"We are not going to walk away from the community engagement," said the “exceedingly grateful” superintendent, referring to the efforts that led to the referendums' success.

Board member Holly Parks said 124 volunteers went to the polls Tuesday to rally support, where she sensed “optimism” for the schools’ future.