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News and Events |
Events
Superintendent Gregg Hoover will be presenting referendum information to school and community groups throughout March and April. If your group would like a presentation, please contact Mr. Hoover at ghoover@benton.k12.in.us or 765-884-0850.
News
Operating Levy Approved for Benton Community School Corporation Referendum
IndyStar - March 20, 2020 - Governor is moving Indiana primary election to June 2
Benton Review - February 10, 2020 - Benton school board approves May referendum
Journal & Courier - February 12, 2020 - Benton School Corp. board approves adding referendum to ballot in May primary
WGFA - February 11, 2020 - Benton School Corporation approves referendum question for May Ballot
WLFI - November 20, 2019 - Benton Community School Corporation Creates Financial Advisory Committee
Journal & Courier - December 27, 2019 - Benton School Corp. to hold community meetings, seeking feedback on district's finances
Journal & Courier - November 22, 2019 - For Benton County residents, tax referendum could be an option to aid struggling school finances
IndyStar - March 20, 2020 - Governor is moving Indiana primary election to June 2
Benton Review - February 10, 2020 - Benton school board approves May referendum
Journal & Courier - February 12, 2020 - Benton School Corp. board approves adding referendum to ballot in May primary
WGFA - February 11, 2020 - Benton School Corporation approves referendum question for May Ballot
WLFI - November 20, 2019 - Benton Community School Corporation Creates Financial Advisory Committee
Journal & Courier - December 27, 2019 - Benton School Corp. to hold community meetings, seeking feedback on district's finances
Journal & Courier - November 22, 2019 - For Benton County residents, tax referendum could be an option to aid struggling school finances
News Release: Operating Levy Approved for Benton Community School Corporation
Levy increase will help the district maintain its current programming
Voters in the Benton Community School District approved an increase in the operating levy held June 2. The official vote count according to the Benton County Clerk’s office was 1,585 yes votes and 1,269 no votes.
“Our community backed us up, and we are thankful,” said Gregg Hoover, Superintendent. “I want to thank voters for spending time to learn more about the referendum and casting informed votes. Students in our district will benefit from this investment for years to come.”
Funds provided to the district from the operating levy will continue to be devoted to district priorities including retaining teachers and support staff; maintaining class sizes; continuing academic, agricultural, and vocational & fine arts programs; and enhancing student safety and security. The money will go straight towards benefiting students and will work along with budget management efforts by the district to address financial issues.
The district is committed to continuing efforts of reducing expenses and improving efficiency to address budget issues in addition to the newly approved operating levy. A long-range planning committee will be formed to develop a plan to address declining enrollment.
“Approval of the operating levy is vital,” said Hoover. “Our commitment is to stay on a path of continuous improvement. We will communicate at every juncture with our communities to let them know we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely.”
BCSC will now be tied for the 6th position among the 12 neighboring districts in total school taxes, and 14 cents lower per $100 of property value than the state average.
“We recognize that not everyone voted Yes,” Hoover said. “We believe there is common ground in supporting the needs of our children among all of our residents and we are grateful for all of our community members who participated in this process and cast their vote. We will build on that common ground to deliver on our mission of ensuring all students develop academically, creatively, physically, and socially into the finest version of themselves.”
Updates to the community will continue to be provided in the school corporation’s email newsletter, on social media and on the district’s website at https://www.benton.k12.in.us
Voters in the Benton Community School District approved an increase in the operating levy held June 2. The official vote count according to the Benton County Clerk’s office was 1,585 yes votes and 1,269 no votes.
“Our community backed us up, and we are thankful,” said Gregg Hoover, Superintendent. “I want to thank voters for spending time to learn more about the referendum and casting informed votes. Students in our district will benefit from this investment for years to come.”
Funds provided to the district from the operating levy will continue to be devoted to district priorities including retaining teachers and support staff; maintaining class sizes; continuing academic, agricultural, and vocational & fine arts programs; and enhancing student safety and security. The money will go straight towards benefiting students and will work along with budget management efforts by the district to address financial issues.
The district is committed to continuing efforts of reducing expenses and improving efficiency to address budget issues in addition to the newly approved operating levy. A long-range planning committee will be formed to develop a plan to address declining enrollment.
“Approval of the operating levy is vital,” said Hoover. “Our commitment is to stay on a path of continuous improvement. We will communicate at every juncture with our communities to let them know we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely.”
BCSC will now be tied for the 6th position among the 12 neighboring districts in total school taxes, and 14 cents lower per $100 of property value than the state average.
“We recognize that not everyone voted Yes,” Hoover said. “We believe there is common ground in supporting the needs of our children among all of our residents and we are grateful for all of our community members who participated in this process and cast their vote. We will build on that common ground to deliver on our mission of ensuring all students develop academically, creatively, physically, and socially into the finest version of themselves.”
Updates to the community will continue to be provided in the school corporation’s email newsletter, on social media and on the district’s website at https://www.benton.k12.in.us
Benton Review - February 10, 2020 - Benton school board approves May referendum
Benton Review
Operating levy to maintain class sizes and academic programs
On February 10, the Benton Community School Corporation Board of Education approved a resolution to place an operating levy question on the May 5 primary election ballot.
“We have a significant financial challenge to overcome, with no easy answers,” said Superintendent Gregg Hoover. “Strong community involvement, through an opinion survey, a financial advisory committee, and a series of community meetings helped shape what we think is the best proposal to continue to offer a competitive education for our kids.”
Benton schools has an annual structural deficit approaching $2 million due to state aid not keeping pace with inflation and declining enrollment. Without additional revenue, the Benton school corporation will have to make $2 million in budget cuts over the next two years.
The operating levy referendum is an opportunity for voters to decide if the school corporation should have access to additional property tax revenue for use in its education and operating funds. Additional revenue would help the district retain teachers and support staff; maintain class sizes and academic, agricultural, vocational, and fine arts programs; and enhance student safety and security.
“Benton schools is not alone in facing financial challenges,” Hoover said. “Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Schools Superintendent, says school referendums are becoming a way of life for districts across the state.” Voters in neighboring West Lafayette, Tri-County and Frontier school corporations have recently approved referendums.
The board also proposes to continue to monitor expenses and increase efficiency, and to create a long-range planning committee to proactively address continued declining enrollment, including evaluating facilities.
The referendum would give the school board the ability to levy up to $0.31 per $100 of property tax valuation in addition to the current levy of $0.61 per $100. Each year the board can determine to levy the full amount or some lesser amount. If the referendum is approved, the owner of an average value home will see taxes increase by less than $8 per month.
“We’ve been careful to keep property taxes in check,” said Gabe Widmer, Benton school board vice president. “We currently have the 6th lowest school tax rate in the state (2019 certified tax rates). We want to maintain our education system, and we can do that while still having comparable tax rates to our neighbors.”
If the referendum is approved, the BCSC school tax rate will be 16 cents lower per hundred dollars of property valuation than the state average, and will be less than the Benton school tax rate was in 2010.
“We care greatly about our farm families,” Widmer said. “State assessments are providing property tax relief to farm families. The base rate value is decreasing, meaning the tax increase if the referendum is approved drops from $4.84 an acre to $3.97.”
If the referendum is not approved, budget reductions would include increasing class sizes by reducing staff, eliminating many academic and after-school programs, and closing a school.
The board vote was three in favor, one opposed (Ed Schroeder, board president) and one absent (Robert Sondgeroth).
More information is available at www.benton.k12.in.us.
Operating levy to maintain class sizes and academic programs
On February 10, the Benton Community School Corporation Board of Education approved a resolution to place an operating levy question on the May 5 primary election ballot.
“We have a significant financial challenge to overcome, with no easy answers,” said Superintendent Gregg Hoover. “Strong community involvement, through an opinion survey, a financial advisory committee, and a series of community meetings helped shape what we think is the best proposal to continue to offer a competitive education for our kids.”
Benton schools has an annual structural deficit approaching $2 million due to state aid not keeping pace with inflation and declining enrollment. Without additional revenue, the Benton school corporation will have to make $2 million in budget cuts over the next two years.
The operating levy referendum is an opportunity for voters to decide if the school corporation should have access to additional property tax revenue for use in its education and operating funds. Additional revenue would help the district retain teachers and support staff; maintain class sizes and academic, agricultural, vocational, and fine arts programs; and enhance student safety and security.
“Benton schools is not alone in facing financial challenges,” Hoover said. “Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Schools Superintendent, says school referendums are becoming a way of life for districts across the state.” Voters in neighboring West Lafayette, Tri-County and Frontier school corporations have recently approved referendums.
The board also proposes to continue to monitor expenses and increase efficiency, and to create a long-range planning committee to proactively address continued declining enrollment, including evaluating facilities.
The referendum would give the school board the ability to levy up to $0.31 per $100 of property tax valuation in addition to the current levy of $0.61 per $100. Each year the board can determine to levy the full amount or some lesser amount. If the referendum is approved, the owner of an average value home will see taxes increase by less than $8 per month.
“We’ve been careful to keep property taxes in check,” said Gabe Widmer, Benton school board vice president. “We currently have the 6th lowest school tax rate in the state (2019 certified tax rates). We want to maintain our education system, and we can do that while still having comparable tax rates to our neighbors.”
If the referendum is approved, the BCSC school tax rate will be 16 cents lower per hundred dollars of property valuation than the state average, and will be less than the Benton school tax rate was in 2010.
“We care greatly about our farm families,” Widmer said. “State assessments are providing property tax relief to farm families. The base rate value is decreasing, meaning the tax increase if the referendum is approved drops from $4.84 an acre to $3.97.”
If the referendum is not approved, budget reductions would include increasing class sizes by reducing staff, eliminating many academic and after-school programs, and closing a school.
The board vote was three in favor, one opposed (Ed Schroeder, board president) and one absent (Robert Sondgeroth).
More information is available at www.benton.k12.in.us.
WLFI - November 20, 2019 - Benton Community School Corporation Creates Financial Advisory Committee
WLFI
BENTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)- The Benton Community School Corporation has a mission to make sure all students develop into the finest versions of themselves. Which means providing robust academic programs.
"We are really hoping to not have to cut any of those programs that directly impact students or impact academic opportunities," said Jennifer Barce a Board Representative with Financially Advisory Committee.
That's one major reason the corporation created a Financial Advisory Committee to help the district improve its financial health.
"We had seen some concerns with our expenses and our funds coming in so we chose to investigate a little bit further and make more information available," Gregg Hoover the Superintendent of the Benton Community School Corporation.
In the last 5 years, the district has lost 174 students. Since only 1,700 students are serviced by the corporation, that's an issue when it comes to state funding. The state distributes funds based on student enrollment.
"I think we want to get that message out about what the school is facing from the as far as state funding goes,” added Barce. “We want people to know what the plans are for the schools and how we want to continue those things."
The Financial Advisory Committee will help the corporation make tough decisions, like budget cuts or the possibility of a referendum added to the ballot in 2020.
"Right now our funding is such that we can get through to 2022,” added Hoover. “With that not that far down the road, we really want to make sure that we make good decisions and keep the corporation in good financial shape.”
Those future decisions could determine the corporation's future.
"Most people know, that when a school dies a community dies,” added Barce. “You really have to have a healthy vibrant school to bring in people to your community."
The school corporation says it hopes to have some answers on what to do next with the budget, come early 2020. For more information on the new Financial Advisory Committee click here.
BENTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)- The Benton Community School Corporation has a mission to make sure all students develop into the finest versions of themselves. Which means providing robust academic programs.
"We are really hoping to not have to cut any of those programs that directly impact students or impact academic opportunities," said Jennifer Barce a Board Representative with Financially Advisory Committee.
That's one major reason the corporation created a Financial Advisory Committee to help the district improve its financial health.
"We had seen some concerns with our expenses and our funds coming in so we chose to investigate a little bit further and make more information available," Gregg Hoover the Superintendent of the Benton Community School Corporation.
In the last 5 years, the district has lost 174 students. Since only 1,700 students are serviced by the corporation, that's an issue when it comes to state funding. The state distributes funds based on student enrollment.
"I think we want to get that message out about what the school is facing from the as far as state funding goes,” added Barce. “We want people to know what the plans are for the schools and how we want to continue those things."
The Financial Advisory Committee will help the corporation make tough decisions, like budget cuts or the possibility of a referendum added to the ballot in 2020.
"Right now our funding is such that we can get through to 2022,” added Hoover. “With that not that far down the road, we really want to make sure that we make good decisions and keep the corporation in good financial shape.”
Those future decisions could determine the corporation's future.
"Most people know, that when a school dies a community dies,” added Barce. “You really have to have a healthy vibrant school to bring in people to your community."
The school corporation says it hopes to have some answers on what to do next with the budget, come early 2020. For more information on the new Financial Advisory Committee click here.
Journal & Courier - February 12, 2020 - Benton School Corp. board approves adding referendum to ballot in May primary
Journal & Courier
BENTON COUNTY – This May, residents living inside Benton Community School Corp.'s district will have the opportunity on their ballots to vote for or against an operating levy referendum to support the school corporation.
A resolution to place the question on the ballot during the May 5 primary was approved Monday by the Benton Community School Corp. Board of Education. The possibility of adding a referendum has been hinted at since November, when the school corporation created a financial advisory committee to address any financial challenges and to improve the financial health of the district.
Benton Community School Corp. has an annual structural deficit approaching $2 million, due to declining student enrollment and the state aid not keeping pace with inflation, according to a release, and without additional revenue, the district will have to make $2 million in budget cuts over the next two years.
If passed, Benton Community School Corp. would join neighboring school corporations that have enacted a similar operating referendum. West Lafayette residents pay 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rate to support West Lafayette Community School Corp. Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value and Frontier School Corp. has 21 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Additional revenue would be used to help the district retain teachers and support staff, maintain class sizes and academic, agricultural, vocational and fine arts programs and enhance students safety and security.
In July 2019, a survey was administered to 267 registered voters in Benton County, with one of the questions gauging potential support for an operating levy referendum, or a tax to support additional funds for day-to-day school operating costs.
Initial support for the operating levy referendum from the survey was at 50.6 percent and informed support was at 62.6 percent, according to results posted to the Benton Community School Corp. website.
There are often factors that lead to a community voting for a referendum, including income, agriculture and existing tax rates in the area, Larry DeBoer, an agricultural economics professor at Purdue said.
"Smaller referendums tend to win, and win big," DeBoer said. "It seems the reason is campaigns either convince voters, or that if one isn't passed and they don't get the money, they'll have to consolidate, and that means loss of identity. Identity means a lot to school corporations."
Benton Community School Corp. also has the highest assessed value per pupil in the state, at $715,000 per pupil, based on farmland assessment, wind turbines and the low county population, DeBoer said. The average assessed value per pupil for school corporations in Indiana is around $300,000.
The school corporation’s office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover said he attributed the district's enrollment decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
“Unfortunately, rural settings often are not seen as having the offerings of non-rural areas, but we feel our community has much to offer,” Hoover said.
BENTON COUNTY – This May, residents living inside Benton Community School Corp.'s district will have the opportunity on their ballots to vote for or against an operating levy referendum to support the school corporation.
A resolution to place the question on the ballot during the May 5 primary was approved Monday by the Benton Community School Corp. Board of Education. The possibility of adding a referendum has been hinted at since November, when the school corporation created a financial advisory committee to address any financial challenges and to improve the financial health of the district.
Benton Community School Corp. has an annual structural deficit approaching $2 million, due to declining student enrollment and the state aid not keeping pace with inflation, according to a release, and without additional revenue, the district will have to make $2 million in budget cuts over the next two years.
If passed, Benton Community School Corp. would join neighboring school corporations that have enacted a similar operating referendum. West Lafayette residents pay 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rate to support West Lafayette Community School Corp. Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value and Frontier School Corp. has 21 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Additional revenue would be used to help the district retain teachers and support staff, maintain class sizes and academic, agricultural, vocational and fine arts programs and enhance students safety and security.
In July 2019, a survey was administered to 267 registered voters in Benton County, with one of the questions gauging potential support for an operating levy referendum, or a tax to support additional funds for day-to-day school operating costs.
Initial support for the operating levy referendum from the survey was at 50.6 percent and informed support was at 62.6 percent, according to results posted to the Benton Community School Corp. website.
There are often factors that lead to a community voting for a referendum, including income, agriculture and existing tax rates in the area, Larry DeBoer, an agricultural economics professor at Purdue said.
"Smaller referendums tend to win, and win big," DeBoer said. "It seems the reason is campaigns either convince voters, or that if one isn't passed and they don't get the money, they'll have to consolidate, and that means loss of identity. Identity means a lot to school corporations."
Benton Community School Corp. also has the highest assessed value per pupil in the state, at $715,000 per pupil, based on farmland assessment, wind turbines and the low county population, DeBoer said. The average assessed value per pupil for school corporations in Indiana is around $300,000.
The school corporation’s office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover said he attributed the district's enrollment decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
“Unfortunately, rural settings often are not seen as having the offerings of non-rural areas, but we feel our community has much to offer,” Hoover said.
Journal & Courier - December 27, 2019 - Benton School Corp. to hold community meetings, seeking feedback on district's finances
Journal & Courier
OXFORD, Ind. – Beginning in January, Benton Community School Corp. will host four community meetings to discuss the district’s financial future.
Each meeting will have information presented by Superintendent Gregg Hoover and director of finance Tracy Albertson on the school corporation’s current and projected financial circumstances, according to the district.
Hoover announced the creation of a financial advisory committee in November, which was formed to assess any financial challenges and improve the financial health of the district. The committee has 14 members, including Hoover and Albertson, school board members Jennifer Barce and Robert Sondgeroth and 10 other members of the community.
During three previous meetings, financial advisory committee members discussed the causes of a structural budget deficit and ways in which it could be erased, through either budget reductions or through an operating levy that increases property taxes, or through a combination of the two.
The community meetings will discuss future concerns the district could face, including expenditures outpacing revenue, state aid that has not kept pace with inflation-based expenses and declining student enrollment.
The meetings will also allow members to learn more about the school corporation’s finances and express their views or concerns.
In July, a survey was administered to 267 registered voters in Benton County, with one of the questions gauging potential support for an operating levy referendum, or a tax to support additional funds for day-to-day school operating costs.
Initial support for the operating levy referendum from the survey was at 50.6 percent and informed support was at 62.6 percent, according to results posted on the Benton Community School Corp. website.
If such a referendum is passed, Benton Community School Corp. will join two other neighboring school corporations who receive additional revenue from a referendum. West Lafayette residents pay a 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rate to support West Lafayette Community School Corp.
Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The school corporation’s office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover previously told the J&C he attributed the district's enrollment decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
MEETINGS: Each of Benton Community School Corp.'s four schools will host one community session. Meetings will begin at 7 p.m., with child care and refreshments available. The four meetings will have the same agenda to allow community members to choose the meeting which fits best into their schedule.
► Jan. 8: Boswell Elementary School, 414 W. Main St., Boswell
► Jan. 15: Prairie Crossing Elementary School, 2758 S. County Road 400 East, Oxford
► Jan. 22: Otterbein Elementary School, 111 W. Oxford Drive, Otterbein
► Jan. 29: Benton Central Jr./Sr. High School, 4241 E. County Road 300 South, Oxford
OXFORD, Ind. – Beginning in January, Benton Community School Corp. will host four community meetings to discuss the district’s financial future.
Each meeting will have information presented by Superintendent Gregg Hoover and director of finance Tracy Albertson on the school corporation’s current and projected financial circumstances, according to the district.
Hoover announced the creation of a financial advisory committee in November, which was formed to assess any financial challenges and improve the financial health of the district. The committee has 14 members, including Hoover and Albertson, school board members Jennifer Barce and Robert Sondgeroth and 10 other members of the community.
During three previous meetings, financial advisory committee members discussed the causes of a structural budget deficit and ways in which it could be erased, through either budget reductions or through an operating levy that increases property taxes, or through a combination of the two.
The community meetings will discuss future concerns the district could face, including expenditures outpacing revenue, state aid that has not kept pace with inflation-based expenses and declining student enrollment.
The meetings will also allow members to learn more about the school corporation’s finances and express their views or concerns.
In July, a survey was administered to 267 registered voters in Benton County, with one of the questions gauging potential support for an operating levy referendum, or a tax to support additional funds for day-to-day school operating costs.
Initial support for the operating levy referendum from the survey was at 50.6 percent and informed support was at 62.6 percent, according to results posted on the Benton Community School Corp. website.
If such a referendum is passed, Benton Community School Corp. will join two other neighboring school corporations who receive additional revenue from a referendum. West Lafayette residents pay a 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rate to support West Lafayette Community School Corp.
Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The school corporation’s office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover previously told the J&C he attributed the district's enrollment decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
MEETINGS: Each of Benton Community School Corp.'s four schools will host one community session. Meetings will begin at 7 p.m., with child care and refreshments available. The four meetings will have the same agenda to allow community members to choose the meeting which fits best into their schedule.
► Jan. 8: Boswell Elementary School, 414 W. Main St., Boswell
► Jan. 15: Prairie Crossing Elementary School, 2758 S. County Road 400 East, Oxford
► Jan. 22: Otterbein Elementary School, 111 W. Oxford Drive, Otterbein
► Jan. 29: Benton Central Jr./Sr. High School, 4241 E. County Road 300 South, Oxford
Journal & Courier - November 22, 2019 - For Benton County residents, tax referendum may be option to aid struggling school finances
Journal & Courier
FOWLER, Ind. – An operating property tax referendum for residents in Benton County could be a possibility to help with the financial situation for Benton Community School Corp., depending on the advice of a recently created financial advisory committee.
Superintendent Gregg Hoover announced the creation of the committee earlier in the month, formed to assess financial challenges and to improve the financial health of the district. It is composed of 14 members, including Hoover, school board members Jennifer Barce and Robert Sondgeroth, Benton Schools Director of Finance Tracy Albertson and 10 other members of the community.
Budget presentations over the past two years have shown a downward trend in fund balance in the district’s savings account, according to a press release, and that has caused the administration and school board to take a closer look into its expenses and revenues. Benton Community School Corp. has a policy of keeping 10 percent of the fund balance, which allows for some flexibility in budgeting and can help pay for any unanticipated expenses.
If such a referendum is passed, Benton Community School Corp. will join two other neighboring school corporations who receive additional revenue from a referendum. West Lafayette residents pay a 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rateto support West Lafayette Community School Corp. Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Albertson said in a press release that without increased revenue or budget reductions, Benton Community School Corp. will need to use its fund balance savings to balance the district's budget, which could lead to the fund balance disappearing by 2022.
“This is not sustainable,” Albertson said.
A presentation shown during the financial advisory committee meeting Nov. 13 showed the school corporation’s main source of revenue comes from a basic state grant, which is based on student count, vocational count and special education count. Main expenses for the school corporation include salaries and benefits for all teachers, support staff and office personnel, classroom supplies, technology equipment and instructional software.
The school corporation office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover said he attributed the decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
“Unfortunately, rural settings often are not seen as having the offerings of non-rural areas, but we feel our community has much to offer,” Hoover said.
FOWLER, Ind. – An operating property tax referendum for residents in Benton County could be a possibility to help with the financial situation for Benton Community School Corp., depending on the advice of a recently created financial advisory committee.
Superintendent Gregg Hoover announced the creation of the committee earlier in the month, formed to assess financial challenges and to improve the financial health of the district. It is composed of 14 members, including Hoover, school board members Jennifer Barce and Robert Sondgeroth, Benton Schools Director of Finance Tracy Albertson and 10 other members of the community.
Budget presentations over the past two years have shown a downward trend in fund balance in the district’s savings account, according to a press release, and that has caused the administration and school board to take a closer look into its expenses and revenues. Benton Community School Corp. has a policy of keeping 10 percent of the fund balance, which allows for some flexibility in budgeting and can help pay for any unanticipated expenses.
If such a referendum is passed, Benton Community School Corp. will join two other neighboring school corporations who receive additional revenue from a referendum. West Lafayette residents pay a 37 cents per $100 assessed value referendum tax rateto support West Lafayette Community School Corp. Tri-County School Corp. also has a referendum tax rate of 27 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Albertson said in a press release that without increased revenue or budget reductions, Benton Community School Corp. will need to use its fund balance savings to balance the district's budget, which could lead to the fund balance disappearing by 2022.
“This is not sustainable,” Albertson said.
A presentation shown during the financial advisory committee meeting Nov. 13 showed the school corporation’s main source of revenue comes from a basic state grant, which is based on student count, vocational count and special education count. Main expenses for the school corporation include salaries and benefits for all teachers, support staff and office personnel, classroom supplies, technology equipment and instructional software.
The school corporation office is located in Fowler. The district enrolls under 1,800 students in three elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school corporation covers more land area — 447 square miles — than any other school district in Indiana.
The number of enrolled students has declined by 174 students in the last five years, a significant decrease in the student body's population. Hoover said he attributed the decline to the statewide trend of decreasing population in rural areas.
“Unfortunately, rural settings often are not seen as having the offerings of non-rural areas, but we feel our community has much to offer,” Hoover said.
WGFA - February 11, 2020 - Benton School Corporation approves referendum question for May ballot
WGFA
The Benton Community School Corporation board voted (Monday night) to put a referendum question on the May ballot. Superintendent Gregg Hoover said “this is the best option to pursue” to try to fight off financial problems.
The board’s decision comes after months of community input and public hearings. The corporation has been dealing with deficit spending near $1.5 million. Last month, a Financial Advisory Committee was talking about possible cuts to the music and sports programs.
Hoover said this referendum is their best option to gain important funding. Declining enrollment and insufficient funding from the state has added to the financial problems.
The board passed a referendum that would increase property taxes 31 cents for every $100 of assessed value.
The Benton Community School Corporation board voted (Monday night) to put a referendum question on the May ballot. Superintendent Gregg Hoover said “this is the best option to pursue” to try to fight off financial problems.
The board’s decision comes after months of community input and public hearings. The corporation has been dealing with deficit spending near $1.5 million. Last month, a Financial Advisory Committee was talking about possible cuts to the music and sports programs.
Hoover said this referendum is their best option to gain important funding. Declining enrollment and insufficient funding from the state has added to the financial problems.
The board passed a referendum that would increase property taxes 31 cents for every $100 of assessed value.
