August 30, 2025

Logan County School Board Votes on Nickel Tax for Auburn Elementary

here-intlog
August 30, 2025
7:07 am
Indianapolis, IN

News Summary

The Logan County School Board has voted to place a construction Nickel Tax on the ballot to address the needs of Auburn Elementary School. This tax aims to raise over one million dollars annually to improve facilities and accommodate a growing student population. Superintendent Costellow indicated that without this measure, redistricting may be necessary to manage overcrowding. The proposal includes constructing a new school on a 30-acre site, with significant implications for the district’s educational infrastructure.

Auburn, Kentucky – The Logan County School Board has made a significant decision by voting to place a construction Nickel Tax on the November 2026 ballot. This initiative aims to address the pressing needs of Auburn Elementary School and is anticipated to generate over one million dollars annually for the school system, primarily to fund operations and improvements critical for accommodating the district’s growing student population.

This vote took place during a board meeting on August 26, 2025. Superintendent Dan Costellow reported that Auburn Elementary has been experiencing an annual growth of approximately 30 students over the last four years. Despite recent redistricting efforts that have provided some relief, the current measures are proving to be inadequate in maintaining manageable class sizes and facilities.

Under the proposed Nickel Tax, which indicates a more than 4% increase from last year’s tax that was recalled following a petition supported by the community, voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter. If the tax does not pass, it could lead to increased student redistricting, as officials seek solutions to avoid overcrowding at Auburn Elementary.

The intended tax would raise the total school tax rate to about 52.2 cents, shifting Logan County from its current ranking of 151 out of 171 districts in Kentucky to a projected ranking of 130. This is significant for the region, which has been noted for having among the lowest school district tax rates, currently sitting in the bottom 12% across the state.

Auburn Elementary’s existing facility is described as outdated, with sections of the building dating back to 1958, which severely limits the options for renovation. The proposal involves constructing a new school on a 30-acre property located outside Auburn, designed to meet the needs of the increasing student body effectively.

The construction Nickel Tax is specifically structured to fund maintenance, repairs, and construction strictly for schools, as each district is permitted to levy one such tax. Costellow highlighted the importance of providing safe and adequate facilities for both learning opportunities and student welfare, underlining the potential of this proposal.

If the Nickel Tax is passed, the anticipated time frame for completion of the new Auburn Elementary School is three years. In contrast, without the tax, it could take up to ten years to reach a similar outcome, prolonging the challenges faced by the district concerning student accommodation.

As discussions continue in the community, Costellow believes that enhancing awareness and understanding about the tax proposal will be crucial in turning existing opposition into support. It is anticipated that by informing the public of the benefits and necessity of this tax, a shared vision for improved educational facilities can arise.

The outcome of the public vote in November 2026 will be pivotal in determining the future structure and capabilities of Auburn Elementary School as the district seeks to adapt to its growth and ensure that all students receive the education standards they deserve.