On May 2, 2023, residents residing within the Fremont School Corporation will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to invest in our schools, students, and the community by voting on an operating referendum question that will directly impact the quality of education and property values. This investment equates to .1963 cents per $100 of assessed property value. If passed, the referendum term is for eight years and represents the maximum amount allowed for the term. Fremont Community Schools may, however, actually levy less. It is our goal to maintain or even lessen our tax rate for the residents. We have one of the lowest school tax rates in the state. Fourth lowest tax rate in 2022. We strive to have a great school system and a great community. "Voting yes will not result in a tax increase," this is simply a tax renewal, not a change. "And it provides us with the level of funding necessary to adequately staff and maintain our schools."
INVESTMENT PLAN: Three Areas
- Avoid Layoffs. Retain staff for important student programs.
- Keep staff from leaving to other school districts as well as to recruit quality staff to fill open positions. Competitive wages is critical in the competition for employees.
- Programming to enhance school safety, behavior programs, instructional coaching, technology integration and manage class sizes.
IF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS PREVAILS: Anticipated Outcomes
- Property values remain at optimal levels by supporting schools that provide a quality education.
- Retain and grow quality staff.
- Quality schools attract quality people to the growing community.
- Community pride is a by-product of quality schools and student programs.
IF COMMUNITY DECIDES NOT TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOLS: Anticipated Outcomes
- Staff layoffs resulting in a loss of student programs.
- Veteran staff will leave to work in other school districts or leave education altogether.
- Inability to recruit quality staff and new talent.
- Lower property values.
- Lesser quality of education for the youth of Fremont.
Upcoming Public Meetings
March 2 Fremont Town Hall 6:00 PM
March 10 Brockville Commons 1:00 PM
April 6 Clear Lake Town Hall 6:00 PM
TBA Peace Lutheran Church 6:00 PM
Form of the referendum question:
Below is how the referendum will be questioned on the May 2nd ballot. The state changed the way referendum questions were stated in 2022. It is very confusing as it states tax rates will increase 37.07 % for residence and 35.55% for business property.
“Shall Fremont Community Schools increase property taxes paid to the school corporation by homeowners and businesses for eight (8) years immediately following the holding of the referendum for the purpose of funding current essential operating needs, retaining and attracting teachers and staff and academic programming which will expand student educational and career opportunities with the maximum referendum property tax rate of $0.1963 which was originally approved by voters in 2015? If this public question is approved by the voters, the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a residence would increase by 37.07% and the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a business property would increase by 35.55%. The most recent property tax referendum proposed by the school corporation was held in 2015 and passed.”
As you can see form the chart below our tax rates have actually decreased since the first referendum was passed in 2015. It is our goal to continue to offer the best education for our students with one of the best tax rates in the state. Our projected tax rate for 2024 is $0.5600.
FCS School Tax Rates History
- 2016 - $0.6324 22nd Lowest
- 2017 - $0.5698 11th Lowest
- 2018 - $0.6297 15th Lowest
- 2019 - $0.6258 10th Lowest
- 2020 - $0.6169 7th Lowest
- 2021 - $0.6098 5th Lowest
- 2022 - $0.5529 4th Lowest
- 2023 - $0.5898 5th Lowest (Projected)
Fremont Community Schools has had one of the lowest Tax Rates in the State of Indiana the last seven years. Even with our Referendum Tax Rate!!!
The funds generated from this referendum will make lasting changes for our community and provide generations of future Eagles new and greater possibilities.