School district safe, for now

PONETO, Ind. (WANE) - Tuesday night in a very close vote the people of the Southern Wells school district voted to support a seven year referendum.

Each year the district will receive $300,000 thanks to a hike in property taxes. It's money the district desperately needs to stay alive.

"Essentially for the past decade we've had decreased funding from the state which has caused us to cut ten teachers, multiple other staff members, and an administrative position," said Chad Yencer, Southern Wells High School Principal.

Southern Wells Community Schools asked its people for support, and they delivered. Tuesday night, 52 percent of the voters supported a property tax hike.

That hike will make up for an annual loss of $300,000 in state funding. It will also save the jobs of three to four teachers, keeping big cuts for a small district, away from the students.

"Basically it's going to keep us from reducing anymore staff, increasing class sizes, or eliminating elective courses," said Yencer.

On average the owner of a $100,000 home will pay an extra $61 a year. Southern Wells Principal Chad Yencer said it is difficult to ask the citizens for more, when everyone is getting less.

But, the district only has 29 teachers in the Junior-Senior High School, and it was close to losing seven and a half of those in two years.

"It's definitely a difficult time and that's true anywhere and anytime you are impacting people's taxes makes it a difficult thing," said Yencer.

Despite a close vote with some strong opposition, district officials see the results as a commitment by a community that believes in quality education.

"I think it says it values the educational program that we offer and it shows the community desires to continue to maintain a strong education in our schools," said Yencer.

The district expects to get less money from the state next year, so it's possible more cuts could still be made in the future.