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Susquehanna Township SD to return earned-income-tax referendum to ballot; district outlines ward-based campaign
Summary
District officials told the board they will ask voters again in November to approve an increase in the earned-income tax to fund school construction, citing almost 19% enrollment growth over nine years and modular classrooms at some schools.
The Susquehanna Township School District administration told the school board on March 3 that it will place an earned-income-tax (EIT) increase on the ballot this fall after last November’s referendum failed by 19 votes.
Why it matters: District officials said the measure is intended to raise revenue to pay for a new school and reduce reliance on modular classrooms; the administration outlined a multi-pronged campaign strategy that includes targeted outreach by ward, paid marketing, door-to-door canvassing and increased presence at polling places.
“We only missed it by 19 yes votes,” said Dr. Willis, identified in the meeting as a district administrator, summarizing the November result and pressing the case for a second campaign. The presentation said the district will return the item to the ballot in November and is already assembling a communications team and considering local marketing firms to help craft targeted messaging by ward.
District materials presented to the board said Susquehanna Township has grown by 503 students — about 19% over nine years — and continues to use modular classrooms behind several buildings, including Thomas Holtzman. The administration said the modulars restrict classroom placement and contribute to higher in-building class sizes.
The timeline the administration provided includes required public hearings in May and June, weekly communications-team meetings, targeted ward outreach and town halls, messages through the district’s parent-messenger system, print mailers and some paid digital advertising. The presentation noted the district will monitor and respond to misinformation on social media and expects board members and volunteers to participate in polling-day outreach and polling-station staffing.
Finance details discussed during the presentation: last year’s mailers cost between $12,000 and $15,000, the administration said, and the district expects to spend additional funds on outreach this time. The presentation also stated the district expects the EIT revenue to be used to offset “the almost $4,000,000 of additional debt” the district will incur for a new building; the slide also included a larger revenue figure that was presented during the meeting.
Board members asked about legal requirements and the district confirmed it has worked with legal counsel and will follow the notice and hearing requirements for placing a referendum on the ballot. No new vote was taken at the March 3 meeting; the presentation served as an informational update and a request for board participation in outreach planning.
