By a difference of 368 votes, the Brown County School Corporation’s referendum passed on Tuesday evening.
Emily Tracy, the superintendent of the corporation, said she and her colleagues are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
“We really work hard relentlessly, to be able to grow the quality of education,” she said. “And we can only do that by recruiting and retaining the best of the best educators so that we can continue to build out those world class opportunities.”
Tracy said the slight tax increase will be used to increase teacher salaries as well as to recruit new staff to continue apprenticeship and internship programs.
“We have an incredible teacher that is serving that role right now as a work-based learning coordinator and she's currently paid on a grant,” she said. “So I am thrilled to be able to add that position officially.”
On a property assessed at $300,000, the referendum is expected to add about $157 to the owner’s annual tax bill.
Three other districts held referendums on election night, with Fremont Community Schools and Pike Township passing by 52 percent and 59 percent, respectively.
Blue River Valley Schools referendum lost by a wide margin, with 83 percent voting no.
“This referendum not only strengthens our schools, but it also strengthens the bonds that are within our community, which just demonstrates that there is absolutely a collective power to help make a difference,” she said.
When asked if there was a possibility of a referendum being on the ballot next year, Tracy simply responded ‘No.”
Read more: Almost 16% registered voters cast ballots in Monroe County
