Brownsburg schools move forward without tax hike

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (WISH) – Leaders of the Brownsburg School Corporation are addressing how the district will move forward after becoming the only community in central Indiana to have a referendum on the ballot to fail on Election Day.

Voters were asked to decide whether to pass a plan to fund the construction of a new elementary school and expansions at the district’s only high school.

Residents rejected the $96 million property tax increase by more than 52 percent of the vote.

“We definitely need a grade school. I would have voted yes for that but they had way too much money for a high school for things that I think are not necessary,” Brownsburg resident Rick Breckenridge said. “They need to go back and rethink and get rid of some of the bells and whistles that they, because they went for everything.”

Supt. Jim Snapp said the close vote was a disappointment after months of hard work on part of those voluntarily campaigning.

Moving forward, the district said it would evaluate ways to accommodate growing student body populations in buildings that have met their capacities. Leaders said 10 portable classrooms are used for elementary students currently, but more will be necessary.

The focus on providing quality education in one of the state’s fastest growing districts was unchanging Wednesday, Snapp said.

“It wasn’t really about winning or losing. It was about providing those facilities for our kids, so they can get the instruction that they deserve,” Snapp said. “Our teachers will continue to do a great job, but we are really at a tipping point with our growth and with the age of our failing facilities that we need to do something.”

Voters in three other area districts – Beech Grove, Perry and Wayne townships approved property tax increases.