Frequently Asked Questions

Based on current projections, the estimated 2027 impact for 2027 is:

• Median homestead ($180,600): about $174 per year (~$14.49/month)
• Home valued at $200,000: about $216 per year (~$18/month)

These are estimates and may change as assessed values and tax credits change.

Farmland is assessed differently than residential property. The impact will vary based on soil productivity factors and acreage.

Indiana law requires ballot language to list the maximum rate and maximum annual revenue. This ensures transparency. The district is not required to levy the full amount.

Not necessarily. The Board sets the annual levy based on actual needs, enrollment, and financial conditions. The referendum authorizes a maximum; it does not mandate full collection.

Homestead deductions, supplemental deductions, and property tax caps reduce the amount homeowners pay. Circuit breaker credits also limit what local units, including schools, can collect. These factors are built into the district’s estimates.

Indiana schools receive funding through several sources:

• Education Fund: State dollars for classroom instruction and teacher salaries.
• Operations Fund: Local property taxes for transportation, maintenance, safety, and support staff.
• Debt Service Fund: Local property taxes for construction and facility debt.
• Referendum Fund: Local property taxes approved by voters for operating needs.

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Each fund has specific legal uses. Education Fund dollars cannot be used for transportation or facilities. Debt Service dollars cannot be used for salaries or academic programs. Referendum dollars can support operating needs that other funds cannot fully cover.

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Indiana law restricts Debt Service funds to construction, renovation, and facility debt payments. They cannot be transferred to support staffing, class sizes, or student programs.

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Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025) reduces local propertytax revenue for schools, increasing circuit breaker losses and limiting the Operations Fund. This has created longterm pressure on transportation, staffing, and student services.

Referendum dollars would support:

• Academic programs
• Class sizes
• Student supports (counseling, intervention, special education)
• Health and safety services
• Teacher and staff recruitment/retention
• Transportation
• Operational stability

The Board of Trustees oversees all referendum expenditures. The district must follow state reporting requirements and transparency rules.

Yes. The Board will review and approve an annual plan outlining how referendum dollars will be used.

Yes. TCSC will provide yearly public updates on referendum revenue, expenditures, and impact.

If voters approve the referendum, TCSC will have additional operating revenue to maintain programs, class sizes, student supports, staffing, transportation, and overall financial stability.

Without additional revenue, TCSC will continue to face difficult decisions that may include reductions in staffing, programming, transportation, and student services.

The district has already implemented cost reductions, reviewed budgets line by line, and explored every alternative available to minimize impact on students.

If the referendum is not approved, further reductions may be required in staffing, programs, transportation, and student supports.