School board approves $2.5 million GO bond after public hearing on 2026 budget

The Bartholomew Con School Corp board approved resolutions to issue a $2.5 million general‑obligation (GO) bond on a 5–2 voice vote after a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget.

School business official Mr. Breneger opened the public hearing and described the district’s revenue and expenditure outlook, saying the district expects education‑fund revenues to fall by just over $1,000,000 because of reduced average daily membership and that the overall levy for 2026 reflects a 2.2% increase. He told the board the GO bond proceeds would pay roughly $1,780,000 for education IT supplies, about $700,000 toward bus replacement and $70,000 for higher‑cost vehicles in the operations fund.

“What we’ll do is borrow that money in order to pay for that,” Mr. Breneger said, noting the bond’s interest will be about $100,000 and that investing proceeds while they await spending should reduce the net cost to roughly $20,000–$30,000.

Several board members questioned whether borrowing now is fiscally prudent. Mr. Major pressed whether the district could delay the bond sale to reduce interest costs and asked whether the district should instead identify cuts. “At some point, you can’t do bonds every year,” he said, urging long‑term planning rather than repeated short‑term borrowing.

Doctor Phillips said the administration will continue to examine budget lines and meet with cabinet members to identify nonclassroom cuts before next year’s budget cycle. He and Mr. Breneger also said they are working with regional groups and the Indiana School Boards Association to press legislators for greater awareness of school finance changes tied to recent state law and ADM declines.

The board pulled the GO bond resolutions out of the general consent packet for separate consideration. Mr. Nelen moved approval; Mr. Stenner seconded. The motion carried 5–2. The board is scheduled to vote on final budget adoption Oct. 20.

Votes at a glance • Minutes of the Sept. 8 meeting (Item 7a): approved, voice vote, 7–0. • Consent items 8a–8i (contracts, trips, grants, claims/payroll): approved, voice vote, 7–0. • Item 8j (2025 GO bond resolutions): approved, voice vote, 5–2. • Human resources recommendations (Item 9): approved, voice vote, 7–0.

What it means The GO bond is intended to shift capital spending for technology and buses off the education and operations funds and into long‑term financing to preserve operating reserves. Board members who opposed the bond said the district should minimize interest costs and consider delaying borrowing or making deeper operating reductions; supporters said the bond protects operating balances while addressing immediate capital needs.

Next steps The board will consider final budget adoption at its Oct. 20 regular meeting; Mr. Breneger said the Department of Local Government Finance approval is anticipated by Jan. 1.