What happens if the referendum fails?

If a majority of the voters voting on the operating referendum vote in opposition, VCS will not have the funding necessary for Valparaiso schools to retain teachers, keep class sizes low and provide the curriculum offerings the students need. Voters only need to look at the problems other school districts like Elkhart Community Schools have experienced after their referendum failed to renew.

Without the revenue generated by the referendum, future budgets will need to be reduced by approximately $4.5 million every year. Budget cuts would have to be made in critical areas. Without the referendum and the flexibility it provides in funding, class sizes will have to increase. In addition to larger class sizes this will also mean fewer opportunities for students. Voting yes means taxes from the schools will go down in 2023 and Valparaiso Schools will continue to receive adequate funding.

Another public question on the same or substantially similar referendum may not be submitted to the voters earlier than two years after the date of the election without a petition of voters to allow it in one year. The earliest the referendum could be presented would be the May 2023 election. VCS would not be able to receive the critical referendum funding beginning in January 2023.