Committee backs Concord Community Schools tax referendum

They formed the committee Yes for Concord Kids to work toward passage of the property tax increase referendum for $0.405 per $100 of net assessed value of homes to raise money to benefit Concord students.

Since 2008 when the constitutional amendment for tax caps was approved by Indiana voters, Concord has lost $10 million and the system is facing another $4.2 million shortfall this year — a 68.2 percent projected loss in property tax revenue, according to committee members.

“The schools are in desperate need of funding. My feelings are very positive (about the effectiveness of the committee). It’s going very well and we have a dedicated group of people,” said Kathy Schiavone, co-chairperson along with Dawn Fisher of Yes for Concord Kids.

“I want people to go out and vote May 6,” Schiavone said.

According to the committeee, Concord ranks eighth statewide in the percentage of lost local revenue out of 292 school districts. The school corporation has grown by 600 students, or 12 percent of the school population since 2005.

“Our goal is to get the word out how we ended up in this situation and what can be done about it. We want to get a commitment from people to show up at the polls on May 6 to vote for the referendum,” Fisher said. “Not everyone in the group has a current vested interest but has had children in the system. They have seen how the schools made a difference in their children and have felt the calling to support the school and community.”

There are 5,000 Concord students who are impacted daily by dwindling property tax revenues that result in higher class sizes and out-of-date technology, Schiavone said.

“Concord has a reputation for high-quality education, an excellent graduation rate and high academic achievement,” Schiavone said. “The school is the center of our community. It’s our entertainment with the music programs, academic teams and sports. We don’t have a mayor. We are our own little Dunlap community. It’s been a huge support of the school system and that’s why we have such positive support (in) wanting to see it continue.”

Yes for Concord Kids is a grassroots group and has held one fundraiser with approximately 50 people in attendance to raise funds to help support their effort and to pay for marketing materials, such as yard signs, window clings and postcards.

Fisher says the school administration is aware of their existence.

“The administration got the facts out months ago about the referendum to small groups and there was rumblings then about the need to do something,” Fisher said. “Kathy and I started talking the most then we just looked at each other and decided we needed some help. We decided to build the committee. I’m encouraged. There are some wonderful people steering the committee in service to the kids and hope it’s a winning combination for the kids.”

The group plans to host town hall meetings to inform residents about the upcoming referendum vote and answer their questions, they added.

“There is a website and a Facebook page, but there will be certain segments of the community who won’t have access to the website for various reasons,” Fisher said. “The town hall meetings can give them the answers that we’re really trying to replace loss revenue due to property tax caps.”

Schiavone added the website has the facts needed for community members to make an informed decision.

“If they get on the website and read exactly where the schools have been cut and see where the cuts have been made, it’s clear once they get the information,” Schiavone said. “There are links to go elsewhere to get more information and be informed.”

Fisher says seeking additional funds with the referendum isn’t an easy task, but worth it for the students.

“Nobody, myself included, likes to see additional expense. We’re all trying to raise a family and trying to get by now but there is a lot at stake,” Fisher said. “We want to give kids the education they deserve.”

Schiavone agreed.

“It’s a great school system. Classes are growing and technology is getting obsolete. Unless the referendum is passed, the school will have to re-evaluate and take a look at things — again,” Schiavone said. “I hope everyone will realize the referendum is needed and vote yes!”