Tri-Creek School Corporation Town Hall Meeting 8/26/2026

The Tri-Creek School Corporation held a town hall meeting on August 26, 2026, to discuss the district's financial challenges, particularly focusing on the impact of recent state tax reforms and the need for a referendum to address a $3 million funding shortfall. The meeting covered the district's bond-funded capital projects, including a $95 million bond issued in 2023 for renovations and facility improvements, which was managed to maintain tax neutrality without increasing the tax rate. The discussion also addressed the effects of tax increment financing (TIF) districts on school funding, the limitations imposed by Senate Enrolled Act One on property tax revenue, and the consequences of a failed referendum, such as potential elimination of bus services and extracurricular programs. The school board approved a resolution to discontinue bus service by August 2028 if additional funding is not secured. The meeting emphasized the importance of community support for the upcoming referendum, which seeks to restore lost property tax revenue to maintain current educational and operational services. Detailed explanations were provided about the budgeting process, bond management, vendor selection for construction projects, and the role of clerks of the works in overseeing quality and compliance.