News Summary
The Logan County School Board has voted to place a Nickel Tax proposal on the November ballot to fund a new Auburn Elementary School. The funds generated will support construction on a new site to address increasing enrollment and outdated facilities. The proposed tax aims to raise over one million dollars annually, the first of which is crucial for maintaining and improving educational environments. Community members have filed a petition for a public vote, emphasizing the need for support and awareness around this important measure.
Logan City, Kentucky — Logan County School Board Approves Nickel Tax for Auburn Elementary Project
The Logan County School Board has taken a significant step toward funding a new school facility by voting to place a Nickel Tax proposal on the November 2026 ballot. The decision, made during a board meeting on August 26, 2025, aims to address the ongoing needs of Auburn Elementary School amidst increasing student enrollment.
Purpose of the Nickel Tax and Project Details
The proposed Nickel Tax is designed to generate funds exclusively allocated for school operations, maintenance, repairs, and new construction within the district. The money from this tax would support building a new Auburn Elementary School on a 30-acre property outside Auburn. The infrastructure is outdated, with parts of the current building dating back to 1958, severely limiting renovation options and failing to meet the district’s needs.
By implementing this tax, the district expects to raise over one million dollars annually to support educational facilities and student safety. This tax is noteworthy because each Kentucky school district is permitted to impose one Nickel Tax, which strictly funds school-related projects such as construction and maintenance.
Growing Enrollment and the Need for a New Facility
Superintendent Dan Costellow reported that Auburn Elementary has experienced an average annual increase of approximately 30 students over the past four years. While current efforts to rezone or redistrict students have alleviated some pressure, they are not enough to manage the continued growth effectively. Without new facilities, overcrowding could worsen, potentially impacting student safety and learning environments.
The district’s current school tax rate is among the lowest in the state, placing Logan County in the bottom 12% of Kentucky districts. The proposed nickel tax would increase the total school tax rate to approximately 52.2 cents per $100 of property value, raising the district’s rank from 151st to 130th out of 171 districts statewide, thereby improving its funding capacity.
Community Feedback and Legal Challenges
Following the school board’s vote, community members filed a petition challenging the tax proposal. The petition garnered enough signatures to require a public vote, giving district residents the opportunity to weigh in on the measure.
Implications of Tax Passage or Rejection
If the Nickel Tax is approved in the November ballot, funds can be allocated promptly toward constructing the new Auburn Elementary School, with an estimated completion timeline of three years. Conversely, if the tax does not pass, the district may need to consider redistricting students or seek alternative funding sources, actions that could extend the construction timeline up to ten years.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Superintendent Costellow emphasized the importance of community awareness and education to garner support for the tax. The district hopes that informing residents about the critical need for modern facilities and the benefits of the new school will help turn opposition into support during the upcoming vote.
Overall, the proposed project and corresponding tax aim to ensure that Auburn Elementary School can accommodate the district’s growing student population while offering a safe and modern learning environment. The outcome of the November 2026 vote will determine whether the district can proceed with its plans for a new school facility within the planned timeframe or face delays that could impact educational growth and safety for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Logan County Schools Vote on Construction Nickel Tax
- Wikipedia: Nickel Tax
- Franklin Favorite: Another Relevant News Article
- Google Search: Logan County Schools Nickel Tax
- News Channel Nebraska: Logan County Encourages Extension of Sales Tax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Finance
- WBKO: New Logan County Nickel Tax Added to Fund Area Schools
- Google News: Logan County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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