Auburn, Kentucky, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The Logan County School Board has voted to place a construction Nickel Tax on the November ballot to fund improvements for Auburn Elementary School. The tax aims to address overcrowding due to a growing student population and is projected to generate over a million dollars annually. Upgrades are deemed necessary as the current facilities are outdated. If the proposal does not pass, redistricting may be required. This tax represents a small increase from previous years and would improve the district’s tax ranking significantly.
Auburn, Kentucky – The Logan County School Board has officially voted to place a construction Nickel Tax on the November 2026 ballot. This decision was made during the board meeting on August 26, 2025, and aims to fund essential operations and improvements for Auburn Elementary School.
The proposed tax would support the construction of a new facility to better accommodate the district’s growing student population. Superintendent Dan Costellow reported that Auburn Elementary has been experiencing an annual growth of approximately 30 students over the last four years, indicating a continued and pressing need for more educational space. Current efforts to redistrict have provided some necessary relief, but these measures are deemed insufficient to effectively manage the ongoing increase in student enrollment.
The construction Nickel Tax represents a greater than 4% increase from last year’s school tax, which had been recalled following community petitions. These petitions had gathered enough signatures to mandate a public vote on the matter. The outcome of this tax proposal is significant; if it is not approved by voters, it could lead to student redistricting as a necessary measure to alleviate overcrowding at Auburn Elementary.
This tax is projected to generate over a million dollars annually for the school system, serving to enhance facilities and provide vital resources for students and educators alike. It is important to note that each school district in Kentucky is permitted only one nickel tax, which is dedicated exclusively to funding maintenance, repairs, and construction projects within schools.
Currently, Logan County’s school district tax rates rank in the bottom 12% of Kentucky’s districts. If the new tax is adopted, it is expected to raise the school tax rates to about 52.2 cents. This adjustment would improve Logan County’s ranking from 151 to 130 out of 171 school districts in the state, reflecting a crucial investment in the education system.
The existing infrastructure at Auburn Elementary is outdated, with sections of the building dating back to 1958. This age limits potential renovation and modernization options, highlighting the urgent need for a new facility. The proposed site for the new construction will be a 30-acre property located outside Auburn.
Superintendent Costellow has emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate facilities that promote student safety and enhanced learning opportunities. He believes that a well-informed community can lead to a shift in public opposition toward support for the tax proposal. The initiative aims to complete construction of the new Auburn Elementary School within a three-year timeframe. Without the Nickel Tax, it is estimated that construction could take up to ten years, further delaying essential infrastructure improvements needed for the students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nickel Tax being proposed for Auburn Elementary?
The Nickel Tax is a construction tax aimed at funding the necessary improvements and operations for Auburn Elementary School, including the construction of a new facility.
When will the Nickel Tax be voted on?
The Nickel Tax will be placed on the ballot for a public vote in November 2026.
What is the expected financial impact of the Nickel Tax?
The Nickel Tax is projected to generate over a million dollars annually for the school system, enhancing educational resources and infrastructure for students.
Why is a new facility needed for Auburn Elementary?
Auburn Elementary has seen an annual increase of about 30 students, which has led to overcrowding. Current classrooms and facilities are outdated and insufficient for the growing student population.
What would happen if the Nickel Tax does not pass?
If the Nickel Tax does not pass, student redistricting may become necessary to manage overcrowding at Auburn Elementary, potentially disrupting the education of current students.
Key Features of the Nickel Tax Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Generation | Projected to generate over a million dollars annually |
| Facilities Addressed | Focus on Auburn Elementary, with construction on a new facility |
| Construction Timeline | Expected completion within three years if the tax is approved |
| Tax Rate Change | Increase from last year’s tax to approximately 52.2 cents |
| Current Tax Rank | Improvement from 151 to 130 out of 171 districts in Kentucky |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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