As the May 4 primary election approaches, the District Referendum Key Communicators Committee continues to educate the community on the school system’s funding situation. Superintendent Jeff Swensson has also been trying to bring awareness by speaking to different groups.

According to Tricia Hackett, vice president of the school board, the loss in state funding is not the only problem the school system is facing. She said via e-mail, “Several changes have occurred since (former Superintendent Barbara) Underwood first proposed the $3 million plus general fund reductions; state funding certainly not being the least of these.”

In addition to the $3.8 million per year shortfall announced by the state in December 2009, which is a permanent loss of revenue, the current $2 million referendum expires in 2012. Not only does this pose a problem for the school system, but the structural deficit does as well. As fixed costs increase due to growing enrollment each year, additional staff will be needed. The estimated structural deficit is $3.2 million.

According to Swensson, if the referendum does not pass, growing enrollment, coupled with the loss of revenue leading to job losses, will increase class sizes. He also said that five teaching positions would be cut from each elementary school, 10 teaching positions in each middle school and 35 teaching positions in the high school. In addition, there would be a minimum of a 20 percent reduction in all other staff positions and a 30 percent reduction for extra-curricular programs. Along with these reductions, many advanced and elective programs would have to be eliminated in the schools.

While some worry about an increase in taxes, especially since the referendum would remain in place for seven years, Swensson said that many do not know that the Carmel Clay School system has the lowest school tax rate in the county and is among the 10 percent lowest in the state.

Swensson said it is important that the community remains educated on the purpose of the referendum. Information can be found on the Carmel Clay School system’s Web site.

While some members of the community oppose the increase in taxes to help fund schooling, Swensson said he still hopes that the educational system will continue to strive for the best. He said, “I think our enduring challenge is how can we get better. We do a terrific job now but the key to anything academic is you always want to grow.” By Sarah Sheafer <[email protected]>