What is the current property tax rate for the WLCSC?

In 2008 the certified tax rate for the WLCSC was $1.62 per $100 of assessed value.  State property tax reforms dropped the 2010 certified tax rate to $.88 per $100 of assessed value.  That’s about a 50% drop in the certified property tax rate.

What’s the impact of a $0.43 rate on the average homeowner in the West Lafayette School District?

1.  If the community supports and approves the referendum not to exceed $0.43, the modest increase for the average WLCSC homeowner will be around a $1.00 per day or approximately $365.00 per year.  However, if the legislature provides WLCSC more funding in any given year, the impact can be much less to even a rate of $0.00.

2.  Two factors determine the cost to homeowners.   One is the amount specified in the referendum.  The other is the value of each property after all deductions are applied.  The DeBoer/Hummels Study indicates most homeowners will pay less in property taxes than they did in 2007 even with a referendum question not to exceed $0.43 is approved by WLCSC voters.  In addition, continuing the excellence of the WLCSC will help maintain significantly higher property values within the district.  While higher property values benefit homeowners and landlords alike, landlords will see a somewhat larger increase in taxes paid due to differences in deductions allowed by the state.  As a consequence, a successful referendum might have the effect of decreasing the number of rental properties within WLCSC.

3.  Business owners will have to judge whether their businesses will be harmed more by a moderate tax increase (if the referendum goes forward and passes) or by the deterioration of schools (if the referendum doesn’t go forward or doesn’t pass).

Is this general fund levy, if approved by our community, outside of the tax caps?

Yes.  If the general fund referendum levy is approved by our community, it is outside the tax caps and will not impact other government entities.  If tax caps become part of a constitutional amendment, the general fund levy will still be outside the tax caps legislation.  This is a community decision and if the community supports the referendum question, it will not impact tax caps requirements for other government or taxing entities.

How much does the school district need to raise per year?

The DeBoer/Hummels Study projects the school district will need additional revenue of up to $6 million per year by 2017.  The School Board and administration are also exploring other ways to generate stable revenue to help match the amount of additional local revenue that might be requested through a referendum question.

Why can’t the school district use construction money to pay for teacher salaries?

By state law, school districts can't use other school funds (Debt Service, Transportation, Capital Projects Funds) to pay General Fund expenses such as salaries.  For example, money used to build buildings cannot be used for teacher salaries and instructional supplies.

Why can’t the school district continue to cut costs?

The school district has and will continue to cut costs wherever possible.  Last year more than 20 teaching and non-teaching positions were cut.  It is important to note that over 85% of the General Fund is for personnel expenses.  As General Fund revenues decrease, the number of teachers and staff is reduced.  Unless additional revenue is available to supplement declining state revenue, WLCSC will continue to be forced to educate more students with fewer teachers.  The DeBoer/Hummels Study indicates class sizes will increase by 45% or higher without an additional source of revenue.

Isn’t it true that the school district’s situation has been caused by the school district overspending?

By state law, school districts cannot spend more than it receives each year.  School districts can’t deficit spend.  According to The DeBoer/Hummels Study, WLCSC has been trimming the workforce, keeping salary increases below inflation, and hiring lower salaried teachers over the years.  Still, much of the hard work of cost containment is being undone by cost increases the school district cannot control such as health insurance and by decreasing revenue from the State.

According to the DOE, in the last 10 years state spending on education grew 55%.  WLCSC grew 1% with similar enrollment growth.  WLCSC has cut noninstructional expenditures by 23% in nominal terms (and much more than that in inflation adjusted terms).  When you look at maximizing instructional / total expenditures  (which the state report is trying to emphasize as getting the most bang for your buck), WLCSC had one of the highest improvement rates in the state.

Click here to see the DOE summary report on instructional expenditures for all Indiana schools!

What happens if the school district doesn’t find additional revenue?

Unless the school district finds additional sources of revenue, WLCSC will not be able to maintain its current academic, co- and extra-curricular  programs.  The high academic excellence of the school district will be in jeopardy.  The added effect of a financially failing school district would likely be a decrease in property values for school district homeowners.  In 2008, WLCSC ranked 66th out of 293 Indiana school corporations in spending per pupil.  By 2017, without additional revenue, the state’s new funding formula will force WLCSC into the bottom 2% of schools statewide in spending per pupil.

How long does a voter-approved referendum last and can this legislation be changed so that parents with students in the school system are the only ones impacted?

According to Indiana Code 20-46-1, the life span of a levy approved by referendum is seven years.  All patrons who live in WLCSC are allowed to vote on the question and everyone in the community benefits from good schools and well educated citizens.  Thus, all property owners are responsible for paying their share (based on assessed value after deductions) if an increase is approved.  The current legislation does not allow flexibility in the referendum process, and the legislation can only be changed by state legislators.

How much do teachers pay towards their health insurance?

Our teachers pay towards their health insurance according to the plan they choose.  For instance, teachers who choose the family plan pay $7,742.00 per year towards their plan.  Teachers who choose the single plan pay almost $350.00 towards their plan.  Also, they pay higher deductibles and out of pocket expenses.

Is there anyway the School District Can Help Businesses and Senior Citizens?

During the campaign, the administration has been discussing with businesses and senior citizens the idea of helping them out with maintenance, technology, and community service projects.  Much like the Purdue Boiler Blast, maybe there is a way the school district can give back to the community by creating a program where school district employees and student groups could volunteer to help businesses and senior citizens.

Isn’t it true that our teachers are the highest paid in the State?

Not any more. Many years ago this was the case. Through continued collaboration our staff has shown dedication in finding ways to reduce our 'average' salary. This past year, our staff agreed to a wage freeze and did not receive a .05% stipend they had received the prior year.  Also, with the help of our staff, the "average" salary for school district continues to be reduced. Compared to surrounding school districts, our beginning teacher salaries are now one of the lowest in the area.

Will Transfer Students Have to Pay More if Our Community Supports the Referendum?

YES - If a referendum question is approved by our community, whatever more our residents pay, we WILL also charge that same amount to ALL transfers.

Can I Vote?

Click here to find out if you live within the school corporation's boundaries.