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

NAFCS Referendum Gains More Support

With Election Day just over a week away, more groups and residents are throwing their support towards the New Albany Floyd County Schools Referendum.

On this year’s ballot, New Albany-Floyd County Schools will be asking the community to reinvest in our schools, transforming them into modern, safe places that will prepare the next generation of students. If passed, the referendum will bring much needed improvements to nine (9) local schools, all while maintaining the current tax rate.

In June, Mayor Gahan announced his full support of the referendum, and was followed by the New Albany City Council and the Southern Indiana Realtors Association.

“This should be the easiest vote we ever make – a yes vote means we will receive $87 million of local school improvements, all for the same rate we are currently paying today. A yes vote keeps the tax rate at the current level, and drastically improves our community and future,” stated Mayor Gahan.

“The funds will come at no additional cost to taxpayers and will be used to improve safety and access," stated Sara White, President-Elect of the Southern Indiana Realtors Association. "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,” 

Just today, committed community partners Metro United Way released an endorsement of the NAFCS Referendum.

“Metro United Way’s top priorities are for our young children to arrive at kindergarten prepared to succeed and for our students to graduate on time, prepared for college, life and career. We are also know that learning environments play a large role in student success. That is why, we are hopeful that the New Albany Floyd County School referendum will be embraced by the Floyd County community on November 8th,” stated Joe Tolan, President & CEO of Metro United Way.

NAFCS Superintendent Bruce Hibbard recently penned an open letter to the community detailing the strengths and recent history of New Albany Floyd County Schools, and how the referendum can help our community continue to provide high rated rigorous academic programs, championship athletic teams, and world-class performing arts. To read his full letter, please click HERE.

Not sure where to vote? For a full list of voting centers, please visit the Floyd County Clerk’s website at http://floydcountyclerk.org/index.php/floyd-county-indiana-elections/floyd-county-indiana-vote-centers or call 812-948-5411.

Mayor Gahan Endorses Local Schools Referendum - Urges Yes Vote

Mayor Gahan is proud to announce his full support for the New Albany Floyd County Schools referendum as proposed by the administration and adopted by the school board.

“After touring the schools and reviewing the conditions in New Albany and Floyd County, I am excited to support the many improvements in store for our students in New Albany-Floyd County Schools.

Each renovation and addition will improve the safety of the students, the value of surrounding property, the strength of our neighborhoods, and most importantly, the opportunity for our children and young adults to excel now and in the future.

This should be the easiest vote we ever make – a yes vote means we will receive $87 million of local school improvements, all for the same rate we are currently paying today. A yes vote keeps the tax rate at the current level, and drastically improves our community and future.

I plan to spend the next few months making clear to everyone the importance of passing the NAFCS referendum. Great schools are an essential economic driver, and our collective health and the growth of New Albany and surrounding areas depend on our ability to continually improve. It’s important for us to remain the scholastic leader in the region, and these improvements help accomplish that mission."

An aerial rendering of the proposed new design for Green Valley Elementary School.

 A rendering of the proposed new design for Slate Run Elementary School.

The proposed cafeteria redesign at Floyds Knobs Elementary.

Keeping our Public Schools Strong

Over the past few weeks, Mayor Gahan toured and reviewed the condition of our New Albany Floyd County Public Schools (NAFCS) in preparation for the anticipated referendum.  Mayor Gahan and the City of New Albany’s public safety team, consisting of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Building Commissioner, met with NAFCS administrators, including Superintendent Bruce Hibbard, and toured the following schools:

Slate Run Elementary, Green Valley Elementary, Floyds Knobs Elementary, New Albany High School, Greenville Elementary School, Prosser Career Education Center.

Mayor Gahan discusses the proposed cafeteria expansion with Principal Suer while touring Floyds Knobs Elementary.

Slate Run Elementary Principal Amy Niemeier discusses the anticipated referendum with Mayor Gahan, city staff, and NAFCS administrators.