Silver Creek leaders outline $62.9 million in proposed projects, warn of tax increase if voters approve referendum

Silver Creek School Corporation leaders on April 8 laid out proposed construction and renovation projects that together would be financed in part by a potential referendum and bond issuances, and described how the district’s tax rate and construction timelines would change if voters approve the plan.

The presentation, given by Dr. Briggs (Superintendent) and Dr. Balmer (district administrator), detailed proposed projects — a primary school addition, a new elementary school, middle school modifications and grade reconfiguration, a high-school addition and renovation including an auditorium and band-room work, and a possible field house — with an estimated construction and soft-cost package tied to bonds of $62,856,250 for the proposed projects and a total project budget the district has previously presented near $103 million.

District leaders said three of the corporation’s four schools are operating over capacity and that failing to add space could increase class sizes or require more modular classrooms. “Our buildings are in very good shape. The problem is they’re not big enough,” Dr. Briggs said. He told the audience the projects are coupled to current and projected enrollment and that the district will continue to use a tax…