Bluffton Schools newsletter details permanent improvement funding ballot issue

The 2025-2025 spring district newsletter for Bluffton Exempted Village Schools includes reports from Superintendent Greg Denecker, Elementary Principal Kori Bernal, Middle School Principal Douglas Westrick, High School Principal Mike Minnig, the Music Department and Athletic Director Alex Hanna. The newsletter in full is HERE.

About the May 6 ballot issue for BEVS permanent improvements

On May 6, 2025, The Bluffton Exempted Village School District will have an issue on the ballot for the renewal of a ½ % income tax for permanent improvements.

This is not a new tax; it is a renewal of an existing tax for three years. The tax was originally passed in May 2007 for 1/2% income tax. The tax generates around $900,000 per year.

This tax will be on the ballot on May 6, 2025, as a renewal at the same amount: 1/2% income tax for three years. If passed, first collection will begin in calendar year 2026.

What is a permanent improvement tax? A permanent improvement tax can be used for anything that will last 5 years or more. For example, the District has used this money to replace roofs, buy new buses, and remodel classrooms. We publish the revenue and expenditures of our permanent improvement projects each summer in the District Newsletter sent out to our community.

What can the money not be used for? The money generated by a permanent improvement tax cannot be used for salaries or fringe benefits; these expenses must be paid out of general operating dollars.