School Board Approves November 2026 Referendum Renewal: Reduce & Replace

MSD of Decatur Township Board Approves Resolution to Place an Operating Referendum on the November 2026 Ballot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(July 7, 2026) INDIANAPOLIS – During its July 7 special meeting, the MSD of Decatur Township School Board of Education approved a resolution to place an operating referendum question on the November 2026 ballot for consideration by district voters.

If approved by voters, the referendum would establish a new operating referendum tax rate not to exceed $0.2690 while discontinuing the current voter-approved referendum, which expires at the end of 2027. The proposed referendum represents a "reduce and replace" approach and is not an additional tax. The proposed maximum tax rate is lower than the current approved rate of $0.2890.

The district is pursuing the referendum in 2026 because recent changes in Indiana law require school districts to seek referendum approval during fall general elections held in even-numbered years.

Superintendent, Dr. Scott Collins shared, "We so much appreciate the support of our community members as we provide outstanding educational opportunities and services for our students each year. I want to remind our taxpayers that this is not an additional tax, as we are seeking to reduce and replace the current referendum rate of $0.2890 with a new lower rate of $0.2690. We are committed to fiscal responsibility, taking only what we need to maintain high quality services for our students. If approved by taxpayers on November 3, this new rate would take effect in 2027, replacing the current referendum."

Revenue generated through the operating referendum is estimated to provide approximately $8.5 million annually to support essential district operations, including student transportation, utilities, building maintenance, student well-being initiatives, and student and staff safety.

The referendum comes as school districts across Indiana face increasing financial pressures. MSD of Decatur Township anticipates an approximately $3 million annual revenue loss due to state legislative changes, including Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1454. At the same time, inflation has significantly increased operational expenses, including transportation, utilities, maintenance, and other essential services.

Despite these challenges, MSD of Decatur Township has maintained a strong commitment to conservative fiscal management. The district manages a $98 million budget and was the only school district in Marion County to reduce its total budget from 2025 to 2026. Additionally, the district has reduced its debt service tax rate from $0.91 in 2021 to $0.57 in 2026 and has consistently levied less than its approved referendum maximum, resulting in nearly $6.8 million less in property taxes collected over the past seven budget years.

The proposed referendum would help sustain critical services that directly support students and families, including:

• Transportation services for approximately 72% of district students who ride a school bus each day, as well as transportation for co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
• Maintenance and utility operations across 20 district buildings totaling more than 1.8 million square feet and nearly 377 acres.
• Comprehensive school safety efforts, including the Decatur Township School Police Department and School Resource Officers who serve as law enforcement officers, educators, and mentors.
• Student well-being supports, including Communities in Schools Site Coordinators and other personnel who connect students and families with resources and services.

Election Day is November 3, 2026. MSD of Decatur Township encourages residents to learn more about the referendum by visiting https://www.decaturproud.org/updates/2026-referendum-renewal to review factual information regarding the proposal before casting their vote.

Community members, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, homeowner associations, and businesses interested in learning more about the referendum may schedule an informational presentation with Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent. Presentations are available throughout the community and can be tailored to the needs of individual groups.

For questions about the referendum or to schedule an informational presentation, contact:

Dr. Scott Collins

Superintendent, MSD of Decatur Township

Phone: 317-856-5265

Email: scollins@decaturproud.org

Website: https://www.decaturproud.org/updates/2026-referendum-renewal

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About MSD Decatur Township

The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested, community connected. Decatur Township prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, fostering a support system for our families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready. Together, we are DECATUR PROUD! Learn more at www.decaturproud.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement 

MSD of Decatur Township

elemay@decaturproud.org 317-856-5265