By amy.smelser
Mississinewa Community School Corporation’s (MCSC) operating referendum on the 2026 General Election ballot was denied on Tuesday, leading to some major budget cuts for the corporation’s future.
The referendum failed by a difference of just 71 votes (1,594 to 1,523). A second operating referendum proposed by Oak Hill was passed.
In a press release on Wednesday, Dr. Jeremy Fewell, the superintendent of Mississinewa, revealed the first phase of cuts. The first phase includes eliminating both SRO positions by the end of the school year and discontinuing the plan to relocate the district’s preschool.
“Eliminating funding for School Resource Officers is not a decision we take lightly. These officers build relationships with our students, support our staff, and provide an important layer of safety in our schools,” Fewell said. “Our inability to pay for these positions does not change how much we value their presence or our relationships with local law enforcement.”
The corporation asked for 49.50 cents per $100, for up to $2 million a year, in its referendum.
Oak Hill received “yes” votes from 53% of voters. The corporation asked for 14.79 cents the first year, with the idea that it will increase in future years.
“We recognize that this support comes with a financial commitment from our community, and we take that responsibility seriously. We will continue to manage our resources carefully, look for efficiencies, and communicate how these funds support our students and schools,” Dr. Sheri Hardman, the superintendent of Oak Hill, shared in a statement.
In addition to the elimination of SRO’s and discontinuance of the preschool relocation, Fewell said that major reductions in transportation are likely to take place for Mississinewa.
Both referendums were a response to Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA-1), which reduced property taxes across the state and consequently reduced funding to schools’ operating budgets. Many schools across the state sought community aid in the election on Tuesday.
Fewell said in a Facebook post that many schools that have a similar size school district (23.18 square miles) to Mississinewa have attempted to or have referendums in place for their schools. In total, 38 school referendums were on ballots statewide.
Ultimately, Fewell said the decision was in the hands of the community.
“The community has made its decision, and we respect the outcome of the election. However, that outcome does not eliminate the financial challenges we have been discussing for months. We must now make difficult decisions to bring our expenditures in line with the revenue available to operate our schools,” Fewell said.
Alexis Podgers