Indiana voters show support for school fund increases

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Voters across Indiana supported local schools the past week at a time when many are without jobs and uncertainties remain about economic losses fueled by the coronavirus pandemic.

On primary election day, 14 school districts sought voter approval to exceed statewide property tax caps for construction projects or other expenses.

Of 18 referendums on ballots, 16 passed, according to preliminary results. The high approval rate follows three previous and less favorable elections in Indiana when voters defeated at least one-third of such measures.

“It was a really a surprise that these referendums were so successful this time around,” said Purdue University economist Larry DeBoer, who has studied Indiana tax policy for about 30 years. “Voters were evidently a lot more optimistic than many expected.”

‘EASIER’ TO VOTE ‘YES’

Operational referendums passed in 11 school districts. Five construction measures passed, too.

With approval for its third capital projects referendum, Fort Wayne Community Schools will use a $130 million bond to improve 33 buildings. The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation’s approved tax rate increase will boost teacher pay, replace aging school buses and fund school resource officers. And in northwest Indiana, Hanover Community School Corporation’s success after asking residents to “vote yes twice” on two questions will extend existing funds for general educational needs and support new school construction.

Voters in St. Joseph County also passed two property tax increases worth a total of $220 million over the next eight years for South Bend schools, which officials said will expand prekindergarten, help with maintenance and security upgrades, give teachers raises and add counselors and social...