The two Valparaiso Community Schools referendums passed because not enough people knew about them until too late, according to opponents — and some proponents.
Many found out about the May 5 vote when yard signs for it appeared in early April.
"We didn't have nearly the head start that the pro-referendum people had," said Jeff Sederberg, co-administer of the Facebook page, Vote No Valparaiso.
Despite the Facebook page, there was no organized opposition.
"If there would've been, I would've signed up for it," Sederberg said.
The capital projects referendum, which will raise $148 million for a new elementary school and other building improvements to be paid off over 20 years, passed with 63 percent of votes.
The operating fund referendum, which should raise $4.4 million annually for seven years for new staff, drew about 64 percent.
Businessman Mark Forszt, whose businesses on U.S. 30 had signs urging people to vote no, agreed with Sederberg that the schools need improvements.
However, both are concerned about the size of uncertain property tax increases, especially for people on fixed incomes, and are concerned about the necessity of some improvements, like an improved high school entrance.
"I don't think the people of Valparaiso knew what they were signing up for," Forszt said.
In the pro-referendum camps, there's disagreement on how intentional the late push was.
"We were told to remain silent, to fly under the radar," said Christopher Pupillo, a founder of the grass roots Yes4Valpo, which later merged with the Friends of Valpo Schools.
Pupillo said that consultant Steve Klink of Lafayette recommended a two- or three-week push where "like mushrooms in the spring, the yard signs would pop up," Pupillo said.
The committee to promote the referendum and the Friends of Valpo Schools political action committee were formed in March and volunteers went door-to-door and called people before the signs went up April 11.
"You don't put up yard signs in March when they can blow away," Klink said.
Klink said he worked as a volunteer to get out the vote, although the district hired him earlier to evaluate what they were doing and talk with the accountant, bond counsel and school administrators to guide them through the referendum process.
Klink also noted that there was a lot of community input into the plan in special sessions and a lot of articles in local papers about the referendum.
Pupillo thinks voters would've still supported the referendums if the issues were discussed.
"I'm thrilled that the referendum passed, but I'm disappointed that we missed the opportunity to engage the community broadly and honestly on the challenges the schools face," he said.