Dear Editor:

No one likes taxes. And no corporation looks for opportunities to pay more in taxes than their fair share. The mere mention of increasing one’s taxes can ruin even the most enjoyable dinner party. However, one has to look closely at the reason for a potential increase in property taxes and make an important decision whether necessary or not. The businesses and residents located in the Warsaw Community Schools District face just such a decision on Tuesday, May 5.

Warsaw Community Schools is asking the public to support the referendum on the ballot Tuesday, May 5. If successful, WCS will rebuild Lincoln Elementary school, address safety and educational space needs at Washington Elementary, and renovate Edgewood Middle School. The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee and Board of Directors have reviewed the plans and financial impacts for the proposed referendum. After review, the Kosciusko Chamber has voted unanimously to support the referendum as proposed by Warsaw Community Schools. Our support is based on several important factors:

• Warsaw Community Schools is one of the school districts located in Kosciusko County charged with training up the next generation of workforce. Much like their peer schools in the County, they take this charge quite seriously. WCS continues to be on the cutting edge of educational training. The State of Indiana has recognized WCS for their educational excellence by issuing “A“ grades for the system. The Career Center is ranked number one in the State of Indiana. Graduation rates are near the top for the State.
• WCS seeks to maximize use of the tax dollars entrusted to them. The project proposals show a great deal of fiscal restraint and facility innovation. It would be tempting to propose building three new schools to address deficiencies in existing facilities. Many school districts have done so. However, this plan only replaces one building that is severely lacking in proper amenities to educate today’s youth. It uses existing assets to complete needed classroom and safety improvements. The plan is quite impressive considering the average age of the buildings. Many were built in the 1950’s. Lincoln Elementary in particular faces environmental issues common in buildings of that age given construction materials used at the time.
• One of the intents of the Indiana Legislature’s Property Tax Reform effort that moved school funding to the State was to obtain transparency in school funding. Many in our community would argue that we already have an engaged public on local issues. This transparency was not necessary. Even if one accepts that premise, one must acknowledge the tremendous effort of the WCS Administration to get the word out to the public on the project. They have worked tirelessly and met with any and all critics to ensure there was understanding of the project. This is not a plan hatched in a “back room.” This is a plan with substantial public input.

Thus, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce encourages voters in the Warsaw School District to vote YES on the referendum on the ballot on Tuesday, May 5. Please note that all residents in the WCS boundaries have the opportunity to vote on the referendum even though the primary this year focuses on the City elections.

Supporters of the resolution have been displaying yard signs in their homes and businesses. If you would like to support the resolution with a sign at your business, visit supportwcs.com.

Mark Dobson
President and CEO, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce