Goshen Schools funding questions approved for May 2018 primary ballot

A public referendum question would raise property taxes to pay down a $65 million bond to fund a number of capital projects in the school district, including construction of a new intermediate school building. The school board voted Jan. 9 to place the question on the ballot.

In addition to the new building for grades five and six, the $65 million bond would cover renovation and improvements to Goshen High School and Middle School and safety, security and efficiency improvements at the other school facilities.

The measure would increase the property tax rate for debt service by an estimated $0.3790 per $100 of assessed valuation, according to the language approved by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance and adopted by the Elkhart County Election Board.

School Superintendent Diane Woodworth said they haven't spent any money on the capital projects yet. If the measure passes in May, she said they can start working with an architect on planning and design for the new building and break ground a year from now at the earliest.

She said construction is expected to take two years, so the building would open by fall 2021.