Group raising money for tax increase

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Political Action Committee will be raising money to support a tax increase for the West Lafayette Community Schools.

Paperwork to create the PAC was filed on Friday.  Former West Lafayette Mayor, Sonya Margerum,  is the chair of the Committee.  She said it's important for the community to stand behind the referendum.
 

"If it doesn't pass it means that our schools are really in serious trouble," said Margerum.

The West Lafayette School Board is asking voters to approve a tax increase of up to 43 cents per $100 assessed valuation.  That would raise up to $3.5 million per year for a 7 year period.

Superintendent Rocky Killion said with decreasing state funding, the tax increase is the only way the school corporation can get the money it needs.

"From 2005 to 2009 our revenues have decreased by almost $1 million, and they are projected to continue to decrease.  And we keep getting more students enrolled and our revenue is going down. So there has to be something we have to look at to generate more revenue," said Killion.

Killion said without the tax increase, West Lafayette Community Schools could be hit hard.

"Programs are in jeopardy, student class sizes will go up 45% or higher.  It will happen.  The integrity of the school district and the academic excellence of the school district is in jeopardy," said Killion. 

That's why the Political Action Committee will raise money to educate voters before they go to the polls.

"We hope to engage a lot of volunteers and have yard signs and a variety of things to inform people about the tax referendum," said Margerum.

The Committee is looking for both volunteers and donations to support the cause.

"It's going to be one on one, people talking to their neighbors, answering questions.  It's going to be very important to get the information out," said Margerum.

Killion said he's thankful for the Committee's help.

"We're very appreciative that we have that kind of support from the community,"  said Killion. 

For more information on how you can volunteer or donate to the Friends of West Lafayette Community Schools, call the West Lafayette Community School Corporation at 746-1602.

The tax increase question will be on the May ballot.