Monroe County voters have voted in favor of the new MCCSC referendum. The measure passed with 66.7%, which means that an average Monroe County home will see an estimated tax increase of $125 above current property taxes, or about $10.40 a month.
The new referendum allows for teacher salaries to increase $4,500 per teacher per year and boost support staff wages by $2.25 per hour. Additionally, $1.2 million will be spent per year on special education services, performing arts/STEM/special programming, and additional staff support.
In a press statement MCCSC said that it "appreciates the Monroe County community for getting informed, being invested in the process and for voting."
Jeff Hauswald, MCCSC Superintendent, said that he is humbled and greatly appreciative of the community support.
“We know this is an investment, and it’s an investment in our staff, it’s an investment in our teachers, it’s an investment in our support staff, that includes our bus drivers, food service workers, our paraprofessionals, our custodians,” Hauswald said. “This passing of the referendum is going to allow us to invest in the people, and the people and staff of MCCSC is what makes our schools great.”
Read more: City Limits: MCCSC looking to generate $15.5 million in largest local referendum yet
Without these budget adjustments, MCCSC’s cash balance would have fallen below zero in two years, which school officials said would require a reduction in staff and educational programs and wage/salary stagnation.
"We see this as a vote of confidence and we appreciate the feedback and the input we have received from our families and community members,” Hauswald said.
The new referendum follows the approval of previous school levies in 2010 and 2016.
This story will be updated.
