TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — During Thursday’s city council meeting, Vigo County School’s Superintendent Dr. Rob Haworth met with city officials to inform them about the operational referendum on this November’s ballot.
“My hope is that we can continue that type of collaboration, sharing of information, sharing of projects as we move forward,” Haworth said.
In his presentation Haworth explained how the $7 million funded by the operational referendum would be used.
“Now as we’re going out into the community, the community is asking ‘Where will our tax dollars go?’” Haworth said.
According to Haworth $1.4 million will be spent on safety, including school protection officers. $260,000 on health, which includes nurses. $588,000 will be spent on counseling services. $300,000 will be used for behavior interventionists. $3 million will be used for teacher compensation, and $1 million for transportation.
“The increase in the number of employees, that increase has been really been in the area of health, safety, and wellness,” Haworth said.
The Terre Haute City Council said they invited Haworth to present at their meeting because they wanted to learn about other issues impacting the city.
The president of the council said she believes Vigo County School’s success effects Terre Haute’s success.
“I think we can not be a healthy community if we don’t have healthy schools. The schools can’t be healthy if they don’t have the money they need to operate,” said Martha Crossen, Terre Haute City Council president.
Haworth said that he will seek the community’s input on where the $4 million dollars in cuts should come from, if the referendum passes.
Haworth said community meetings are being planned where he will discuss both the operational and capital referendum.
