In-depth coverage
The Springfield News-Sun provides in-depth coverage of key education issues, including the performance of levies last Tuesday.
Triad Local Schools officials are considering their next move in the wake of last week’s defeat of a half-percent additional income tax levy.
The May 6 request was rejected by voters 474-272, according to final, unofficial results from the Champaign County Board of Elections.
“I want to thank those voters who voted yes,” Triad Local Schools Supt. Matt Sheridan said. “I was hoping it was going to pass, so I was a little bit disappointed that it did not.”
The income tax was “something the (school) board and I discussed pretty heavily going into (the election),” Sheridan said. “We weren’t exactly sure which way to go.
“It looked like this part of the state seems to have the income tax as opposed to the property tax,” he continued. “We felt, at the time, an income tax had the best chance to pass. Obviously it didn’t and that’s something the board and I will have to discuss again, and if we decide to put it on the ballot in November, which direction we want to go.”
Sheridan also indicated the measure would have provided new money for permanent improvements.
“The high school was built 12 years ago and the middle school/elementary has not been refurbished over that time,” he said. “We definitely have some needs and they include: (the) parking lot, some brick work that needs to be done, (and) the chillers will soon need (to be) replaced.
“Lots of maintenance (is needed) to help keep our facilities nice, and it’s been awhile since we’ve had the money (to do that).”
The district already receives income tax money from a measure approved by voters in November.
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