Thirty Residents Attend WCS’ Final Meeting On The Referendum

By Tim Arnett

WABASH,Indiana – Tuesday night at the Honeywell Center’s Legacy Hall, around 30 people attended the second and final meeting put on by Wabash City Schools in support of their Operating Fund Referendum which is on the May 3^rd Primary election ballot. Noting that there were around 90 attendees at the first meeting on Tuesday, February 9^th, Superintendent Jason Callahan called the numbers at last night’s meeting a little disappointing. Many in the audience were administrators or teachers and they witnessed another presentation by Callahan on why the referendum needs to be passed.

He reminded those in attendance that Wabash High School is one of only 13 Early College High Schools in the state and of the huge strides the Wabash County Promise program has made in the county and the state. But, Callahan explained, state funding will leave a huge shortfall in the school district’s General Fund by the end of the calendar year if nothing is done. He further explained that the General Fund, which pays salaries and benefits, is only made up from monies given by the state and not from local taxes.

As a result of the shortfall, teachers and programs will likely be cut even further. Callahan told the attendees that he feels like it’s time to stop cutting. In fact, he wants the ballot measure to pass overwhelmingly to send a message to the state that the community values education. Callahan also answered some voter’s concerns that the district mismanaged money which is why they need to raise funds through the referendum. He said that nothing could be further from the truth and Chief Business Officer Matt Stone explains why.

There has also been confusion on how much more city residents will pay and what type of exemptions they will receive. Jason Callahan.

In closing his presentation, Callahan added that the referendum is a “tipping point” and asked all residents to come out and support the district’s teachers. Supporters did line up after the meeting to take away one of the 100 yard signs expressing approval for the referendum.