One Southern Indiana Endorses NAFCS Referendum

One Southern Indiana, the local Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed the NAFCS Referendum. Read their full letter of support to the News and Tribune from President and CEO Wendy Dant-Chesser here:

Dear Editor,

One Southern Indiana (1si) represents 1000+ business members and investors in addition to our role of managing economic development services to growing and expanding companies in Clark and Floyd counties. Many of our members, as well as those companies looking to locate in the area, are concerned about our community's support of public education. 

As we look to the referendum for New Albany-Floyd County Schools, our support in this decision is quite simple as to the directive from the businesses we serve: We all rely on our public schools to lead in developing future workers to fill the talent pipeline on which both new and existing companies depend for their future workforce.

Therefore, 1si supports fiscally responsible investments in our public education system that result in quality educational opportunities for all learners. These investments must result in measurable increases towards establishing a competitive workforce. High performing and competitive schools drive economic development, resulting in improvements for our workforce and our overall economy.

With the availability of industrial and commercial sites in the area, we are fortunate that business growth in Southern Indiana has been steady over the past several years. However, our job growth rate is surpassing our ability to fill the pipeline with talented workers in the area that are prepared to take positions.

Our public schools play a critical role in addressing the needs for a talented workforce in our communities. The children in the NAFC school system will benefit from this investment into their future.

Sincerely,

Wendy Dant-Chesser
President and CEO
One Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana Realtors Association Endorses NAFCS Referendum

The Southern Indiana Realtors Association has endorsed the proposed New Albany Floyd County Schools Referendum that will be on the ballot this November. If passed, this referendum will bring much needed improvements to nine (9) local schools all while maintaining the current tax rate.

Sara White, President-Elect of SIRA

“We fully support the NAFCS Referendum which will bring much needed improvements to nine area schools,” stated Sara White, President-elect of the Southern Indiana Realtors Association and managing broker for Semonin Realtors Southern Indiana. “The funds will come at no additional cost to taxpayers and will be used to improve safety and access. Strong schools improve property values which is a win for homeowners with school-aged children and those without. I'm especially excited about the proposal for Prosser, allowing it to grow with the times and help meet the strong demand for workforce development in our community.”

Dr. Bruce Hibbard, NAFCS Superintendent

“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Realtor's Association to support the NAFCS referendum,” stated New Albany-Floyd County Schools Superintendent Bruce Hibbard. “Above all, local realtors know the importance of a great education and its positive impact on our children and the greater community. Further, these projects will increase property values while not increasing the cost to tax payers of Floyd County.”

A rendering of the proposed update to Prosser Career Education Center.

Prosser Career Education Center will receive a large boost from the referendum, helping bring our nearly 50-year old technology and vocational-training facility into the modern age so that we can continue providing our local students with hands-on job training, practical applications, and workforce placement in a safe environment. Given their age, Green Valley Elementary (built in 1955) and Slate Run Elementary Schools (built in 1963) are set for complete rebuilds. Six other New Albany-Floyd County Schools are also set to receive improvements that will help keep our kids safe while they learn and prepare for the future in modern facilities. By investing in our community schools, we can help solidify and strengthen surrounding neighborhoods for generations to come.

A rendering of the proposed rebuild of Green Valley Elementary.

A rendering of the proposed rebuild of Slate Run Elementary.

“I want to thank the Southern Indiana Realtor’s Association for their support of a YES vote for our schools this November,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “As I’ve stated before, a yes vote will bring much needed building renovations and modernization to our schools in Floyd County. Students, residents, and businesses will all share in the benefits. A yes vote keeps the tax rate at the current level while ensuring that New Albany Floyd County Schools remain the scholastic leader in the region."