Hamilton Southeastern Schools voters approved the district’s replacement operating referendum Tuesday, with more than 58% voting yes, according to unofficial election results.

The HSE measure was one of several school funding questions on Hamilton County ballots. All passed except one: Sheridan Community Schools voters rejected their district’s referendum.

HSE says the money will support teacher salaries and benefits, school safety and student behavioral health services.

“I want to thank the community for their continued support for this referendum and the people who make our schools what they are,” said Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley. “This funding helps us keep experienced teachers in our classrooms and provide the services our students need. We appreciate the trust our community has placed in us.”

The new referendum replaces the one voters approved in 2023. The district asked for the replacement to offset revenue losses expected from changes to Indiana property tax law. HSE estimates those losses at more than $45 million over the six years left on the current referendum. The district says it has also found more than $7 million in ongoing cost cuts through staffing adjustments, operational efficiencies and contract reviews.

The replacement referendum allows a maximum tax rate of 36 cents per $100 of assessed property value for eight years. The 2023 referendum carried a rate of 19.95 cents per $100. The Board of School Trustees will set the actual rate and approve a spending plan each year through the public budget process.

“Our voters are owed a democratic vote in how their tax dollars support HSE Schools, and we are grateful for their trust,” said Board President Tiffany Pascoe. “That trust comes with great responsibility for this board, future boards, and our administration to use these dollars carefully and as promised. It also means keeping our staff and stakeholders proactively informed along the way. This is an opportunity to strengthen trust and show it through our actions.”

The district thanked the volunteers who worked on the campaign, including Advance HSE, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, staff, families and community members.

“People spent evenings and weekends talking with neighbors, answering questions and explaining why this mattered to our schools,” Kegley said. “We are thankful for the work they put into helping voters understand the proposal.”

Election results are unofficial until certified by the Hamilton County Election Board.