NEW MARKET — Southmont board members expressed alarm over Indiana Senate Bill 1 on Monday, which, if passed, would directly cut funding for schools, police departments, public libraries, and other essential services through property tax deferments.
The bill would also limit how often school districts can propose tax referendums, making it even harder to secure money for necessary transportation, utilities, teacher salaries, student materials, and more.
“[This bill] would drastically affect not only school corporations, but sheriff’s departments, police departments, libraries in our community, and fire [services],” said board vice president Julie Hess.
Hess estimated based on current property value assessments that while the bill could save families an average of $300 to $500 per year on property taxes, the collective losses for the community would reach millions. Tax cuts from the bill are predicted to cost the Southmont district alone nearly $2.5 million in the next three years, with similar losses projected for public institutions across the state.
“It’s imperative that we take care of our schools,” said superintendent Dr. Stephanie Hofer. “Even if Senate Bill 1 passes, we would like for Governor Braun to reconsider it in its current state.”
Trustees urged Southmont families to voice their concerns to state legislators, including Republican Sen. Brian Buchanan, who co-authored the bill.
The board, along with representatives from Stifel Financial Corp., held an open project hearing and a second preliminary determination hearing to discuss specifics of the potential impact of new tax policies on current and upcoming facility needs; both resolutions were adopted unanimously. Additionally, school corporation attorney Dan Taylor provided a refresher on Indiana’s Open Door Law and reviewed the board’s handbook to ensure compliance with governance policies.
Several Southmont students and staff were recognized at the meeting.
Students and staff of the month: Tyler Petroski and ag instructor William Frazee from the high school; Jason Lairson and instructional assistant Stephanie Acker from the junior high; Alba Wimmer and MaryBeth Jones from Ladoga Elementary; Booker Thomas and student resource officer Jennifer Griffith from New Market Elementary; and Lela Mirelez and English teacher and student council sponsor Taylor Myers from Walnut Elementary.
Scholastic Writing Award winners Owen McCutchan, Tovi Powell, Johnathan Severe,and Evelyn Zachary also were recognized.
Student pledge leaders were from Walnut Elementary.
In personnel matters, the board:
• Approved the employment of Brooke Minor, instructional aide, Walnut Elementary.
• Approved stipends in the following amounts: Mercedes McCormick, junior high swim coach, $1,500; Rebekah Thomas, junior high assistant swim coach, $1,200; Dan McCormick, junior high assistant swim coach, volunteer; Shelley Allen, varsity co-ed track coach, $4,000; Katrina Burris, varsity assistant track coach, $1,125; Mia Myers, varsity assistant track coach, $1,125; Rebekah Thomas, varsity assistant track coach, $1,125; Matt Williams, varsity assistant track co-coach, $562.50; Matt Allen, varsity assistant track co-coach, $562.50; Ron Hess, varsity assistant track coach, volunteer; Robert Johnson, varsity assistant track coach, volunteer; Dan Taylor, varsity softball coach, $5,000; Chet Remley, varsity assistant softball coach, $2,000; Kathrym Yoakum, JV softball coach, $1,654; Barry Lewis, varsity assistant softball coach, volunteer; Bill Whalen, varsity boys golf coach, $3,000; Larry Meadows, varsity assistant boys golf coach, $1,500; Rob Reimondo, varsity girls tennis coach, $4,000; Dan Chadd, varsity baseball coach, $5,000; Ed McGaughey, varsity assistant baseball coach, $2,000; Reese Long, JV baseball coach, $1654; Chris Cox, varsity baseball coach, volunteer.
• Rescinded stipends for the following: Dan McCormick, junior high swim coach, $1,500; Mercedes McCormick, junior high assistant swim coach, $1,200.
In other business, the board:
• Approved field trips for BPA and FFA state leadership conferences to Indianapolis and Trafalgar.
• Accepted donations made to the high school in the amount of $12,337.
Next month’s regular school board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. March 10 in the corporation board room.
