Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why are all of the schools suddenly in need of repair or replacement?

This has not been suddenly--for the past 20 years we have been maintaining our buildings. In 2010, to comply with state law, Henderson County Schools hired RBS Design Group to audit each building and compare each to state standards. This report was submitted to the board of education in 2011; upon the request from the board, a facilities planning committee was formed. This committee was comprised of staff from district office, schools, one board member and members of the community. They developed a facilities plan through discussion and public hearings. According to the current facilities plan, we are scheduled to replace two schools, Spottsville and Jefferson Elementary. Other costs include renovations and upgrades to current facilities.

 

Why does the increase have to be five cents? Why can't the School Board raise a lesser amount to start? The Kentucky Department of Education will match the revenue from the nickel tax at 68 cents on the dollar if the full nickel is levied. The money from the state is money residents of Henderson pay each year through their state taxes. Henderson County Schools will qualify to receive $956,000 per year through this match program.

 

Why should I support the nickel tax if I do not have children in school?

A report published 2004 by the Knowledge Works Foundation titled Public Schools and Economic Development researches the impact of public schools on economic development. Their report contains the following:  

• Strong research detailing the impact of education on national economic growth and competitiveness: investing in the skill level of a nation's population increases national productivity, and education leads to higher wages.

• Emerging research on how public schools influence state and local economic growth and attract new business: schools educate the local labor force and can also increase an area's quality of life in order to attract skilled workers to it.

• Strong research on the impact of public schools on the real estate values of their surrounding communities: homes in high-performing school districts sell for more than homes in low-performing school districts.

• Emerging research, with anecdotal evidence, on how public school facilities themselves impact economic development, particularly in distressed areas: school facilities that are small, local, and community-oriented can particularly affect local development.

 

The future doctors, lawyers, mechanics, computer technicians, salespeople, business owners, farmers, engineers, teachers and other leaders of this community will come from those who are educated in Henderson County Schools. As citizens and as businessowners, we have to invest in their success in order to ensure our own success.

 

Why can't Spottsville Elementary be repaired instead of building a new school?

The Kentucky Department of Education requires a new school facility to be built if the cost of the repairs to the building are equal or greater to 80% of the building's value. The repairs needed to correct the moisture problem with Spottsville are estimated to be over 80% of the value.

 

Why is this tax a property tax only? Why can't the School Board tax income, revenue, payroll, or motor vehicles for construction?

The Recallable Nickel Tax is the only option for Henderson County Schools to increase funds strictly for construction. Union County has proposed an occupational tax that would affect payrolls and business revenue. That tax will increase unrestricted revenue and not construction funds.

 

How many new schools will be built with this increase?

Spottsville Elementary and Jefferson Elementary are the only schools to be replaced. All other facilities, while functional, will need renovation and/or repair to meet the needs of the 21st century student. Classroom additions/modifications, ADA compliance standards, security enhancements at entrances and exits, and upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems are some examples of the construction needed at the other facilities. Detailed information is outlined in the Facilities Strategic Plan.

 

Are you cutting staff to help get the nickel tax passed?  

Our 2015-16 budget is separate from the nickel tax. For five years, the school district has chosen to use contingency funds to support programs like full-day kindergarten and student transportation. It also has been used for one time purchases including technology upgrades and making all of our locations wireless internet ready. By using the contingency fund every year over the past five years, that fund is now at a point where we have to stop. The decrease in expenses for 2015-16 will allow us to remain a financially stable institution. The money collected from the nickel tax will be used for construction only and not staff.

 

For more information or to ask any other questions, please contact Julie Wischer, Public Information Officer of Henderson County Schools, at 270-831-5000 or via email at julie.wischer@henderson.kyschools.us.