We believe access to a quality education is a right for all kids in Bartholomew County. That's why we want to win this vote and maintain the funding that the current referendum provides.

We are facing $9.5M in cuts to our schools if the referendum renewal does not pass.

This means:

  • Losing quality teachers who have deep relationships with our kids

  • Losing school security officers that keep our kids safe

  • Cuts to programming over time

  • Ultimately: our kids will suffer the most

Public schools are cornerstones of a strong community and they should be fully funded. It puts all kids on a path to live their fullest lives, and benefits the whole community.

More becomes possible when we bring our neighbors together to do the work. We deserve to be actively involved in the community and to have a say in the decisions that affect our lives.

From our rural communities to our urban areas, Bartholomew County families want the best for their kids!

Take action with Bartholomew County Cares for Kids!

  • We meet monthly on the third Tuesday from 6 to 8pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (2651 California St.). Dinner is provided and childcare is available upon request.

  • Voter Portal

  • NOTE: Question language is subject to Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) approval.

    The proposed question on the ballot:

    "Shall Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation continue to increase property taxes paid to the school corporation for no more than eight (8) years for the purpose of funding and maintaining competitive compensation for teachers and staff and maintaining student safety by imposing a property tax rate that does not exceed $0.156 and results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $10.1M. If this operating referendum public question is NOT approved by the voters, for a median residence of $250,000, the property's annual tax bill would decrease by (to be calculated by county auditor, current estimate is $182/year). If this operating referendum public question is approved by the voters, it would be a renewal of the most recent operating referendum public question passed in 2020 with a property tax rate of fifteen and six tenths cents ($0.156)."

Bartholomew County Cares for Kids, a local Hoosier Action chapter, is a group of active parents, teachers, grandparents, and neighbors who value public education because it invests in the future of every child in our community. We want our resources to be used to strengthen our public schools in Columbus and be a place where all of our kids can thrive and live full lives.