News Summary
The Logan County School Board has voted to place a construction nickel tax on the ballot for November 2026. This decision seeks to fund essential improvements at Auburn Elementary School, which has faced increasing student enrollment. Superintendent Dan Costellow highlighted the need for better facilities and community support as the district prepares for a potential overcrowding crisis if the tax fails. The nickel tax could generate over a million dollars annually, significantly impacting the school’s infrastructure and student safety.
Auburn, Kentucky – The Logan County School Board has officially voted to place a construction Nickel Tax on the ballot for November 2026. This decision, made during a board meeting on August 26, 2025, aims to secure funding for essential operations and improvements at Auburn Elementary School, which is struggling to accommodate its growing student body.
Superintendent Dan Costellow reported that Auburn Elementary has been experiencing an annual increase of approximately 30 students over the past four years. Despite recent redistricting efforts, these changes have proven to be inadequate in managing the continuous influx of students. The proposed nickel tax represents a potential more than 4% increase over last year’s tax rate, which had been recalled following a petition by local community members. This petition collected enough signatures to mandate a public vote on the matter.
Costellow emphasized the critical importance of having adequate facilities to ensure student safety and to maximize learning opportunities. Should the proposed tax fail to pass, the district may be compelled to implement further student redistricting to mitigate overcrowding at Auburn Elementary.
The proposed construction nickel tax is anticipated to generate over one million dollars annually for the school system. It is important to note that each school district in Kentucky is allowed to adopt only one nickel tax, which serves to fund maintenance, repairs, and construction specifically for schools. Currently, Logan County’s school district tax rates are positioned in the bottom 12% of Kentucky’s districts. If passed, the new tax would increase the school tax rate to approximately 52.2 cents, elevating the district’s ranking from 151 to 130 out of 171 districts across the state.
Auburn Elementary’s facilities are outdated, with sections of the building dating back to 1958, which severely limits renovation options. The construction of the new school is planned to take place on a 30-acre property located outside of Auburn. Costellow believes that proper communication and outreach to the community can help convert initial opposition into support for the proposed tax increase.
The timeline for the new Auburn Elementary School anticipates completion within three years if the nickel tax is approved. In contrast, without the tax funding, the construction process could extend to as long as ten years, further delaying necessary improvements and accommodations for the student population.
The upcoming public vote encapsulates both the community’s desire for enhanced educational facilities and the logistical challenges presented by increasing student numbers. As discussions surrounding the Nickel Tax unfold, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and engaged in the decision-making process affecting Auburn Elementary School and its future.
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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
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