An operating referendum is a voter-approved funding source that allows a school district to generate local revenue to support educational programs and services.
In Indiana, school districts may ask voters to approve an operating referendum when state and local funding are not sufficient to meet the needs of the district. Referendum funds may only be used for the purposes approved by voters and are subject to annual public budgeting and financial reporting requirements.
At Barr-Reeve Community Schools, referendum funding supports small class sizes, safety and mental health resources, elementary music and physical education programs, and athletics and extracurricular activities.
In one sense, yes. The 2026 referendum will appear on the ballot as a new referendum question because the district is proposing different terms than the current referendum.
However, the purpose is largely the same. Barr-Reeve voters approved operating referendums in 2013 and 2020, and the district is seeking to continue supporting programs and services that have benefited students for more than a decade.
If approved, the 2026 referendum would replace the current referendum and continue supporting small class sizes, safety and mental health resources, elementary music and physical education programs, and athletics and extracurricular activities.
The proposed referendum includes a higher maximum tax rate than the 2020 referendum. This adjustment is being recommended to help maintain a similar level of referendum revenue in response to changes in Indiana property tax laws and school funding.
The current referendum expires in 2028. Seeking renewal now allows the district to continue investing in students while preparing for future funding challenges.
Small Class Sizes
Safety & Mental Health
Elementary Music & Physical Education
Athletics & Activities
Yes.
In 2013, voters approved a referendum with a maximum rate of $0.35 per $100 of assessed value.
In 2020, the district was able to reduce the authorized rate to $0.25 due to enrollment growth, state funding increases, and higher assessed value..
Recent changes to Indiana property tax laws have reduced the taxable assessed value available to schools. Because of these changes, a higher referendum rate is needed to generate approximately the same amount of revenue.
The proposed referendum would continue supporting the programs and services our community has invested in for more than a decade, including small class sizes, safety and mental health supports, music and physical education, and student activities.
The median homeowner is currently paying for the existing referendum. Based on current projections, the estimated additional cost in 2027 is approximately $42 per year (about $3.50 per month) above what is currently being paid.
State law requires the ballot question to display the maximum estimated impact over the life of the referendum. For the median homeowner, that maximum additional impact is estimated at approximately $91 per year above current referendum costs.
The district would need to evaluate reductions to programs and services currently supported by referendum funding.
No. Referendum funds may only be used for purposes approved by voters.