FAQ’s
Schools Construction Questions
Q: What is the process for school construction approval?
A: Locally schools decide a new school or renovation is required. A concept is developed; architects are hired, and a school design is created. The design is approved by the local school board, and taxpayers are given an opportunity to object to the construction. Once approved locally, the school presents the design and its projected cost to the School Tax Control Board in Indianapolis. The Board – an independent board of school and construction professionals appointed by the Governor - reviews the presentation and documentation and makes a recommendation to approve, disapprove or modify the project to the commissioner of the Department. The Commissioner reviews the file and makes a decision to approve, disapprove or modify the project. The review of the project goes beyond the bricks and proposed classrooms. In our reviews we are looking at the amount of non-traditional classroom space in the project, the degree of community support, the district's graduation rate, ISTEP+ scores, and the steps the district has taken to reduce costs.
Q: When does the Department become involved?
A: We become involved when the independent school tax control board presents their recommendation to the DLGF Commissioner. The commissioner then reviews the board's recommendation and ultimately approves, disapproves or modifies the project using the school construction guidance as a foundation for her decision.
Q: How much have you cut from school projects since beginning this effort?
A: It's tough to pinpoint an exact amount saved in construction because administrators across the state are incorporating the requirements into their planning long before it comes to the Department for approval. They are using the guidance to make financially sound, student-centered construction decisions and ultimately saving taxpayers potential increases in their property taxes. Since implementing the new guidance in May 2005, the Commissioner has approved more than $1 billion in school construction – that number would have been at least $90 million higher without the review.
Q: Why have people said the Department is against local construction?
A: The Department is charged with reviewing school construction financing to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely, and we take that responsibility very seriously. When we review projects we look at more than just the bricks and classrooms; we look at the project and its associated effect on the students, local property tax rates and on the community. In our reviews we are looking at the amount of non-traditional classroom space in the project, the degree of community support, the district's graduation rate, ISTEP+ scores, and the steps the district has taken to reduce costs.
Q: How did we get to this point in building ‘Taj Mahals' for schools?
A: We all want great schools for our children, and sometimes our desire to provide the best for our kids exceeds what they may need. It's the Department's job to ensure when those great schools are built, they support the students' academic needs in the most cost effective, reasonable manner. The school construction guidance is designed to give school administrators the information they need to make financially sound, student-centered construction decisions.
Q: Has the new guidance slowed construction?
A: We understand that construction timelines are often very tight, and it's our goal to provide administrators our decision as quickly as possible. Indiana law requires the Department to approve, modify or deny a project within three months. It also provides for a three-month extension should the commissioner require additional review time. We have never exceeded the allowed review time.
Q: How can taxpayers get involved in the effort?
A: The best way for taxpayers to get involved is to take an active role in the school construction planning process. By attending school board meetings and talking with educators and administrators, taxpayers will have a voice how their tax dollars will be spent. It's important to get involved early in the process and ensure the focus remains on the student throughout the construction planning process.
Q: Should we go to a referendum system to approve construction like other states?
A: Currently Indiana doesn't require a referendum to approve school construction. However, it's in the best interest of all taxpayers to take an active role in reviewing school construction projects in their community. Ultimately they will be the ones left to pay for the construction in their property taxes. Here at the Department, we realize we have a responsibility to ensure that those taxpayer's tax dollars are spent wisely, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
Q: Why are these guidelines punishing local schools?
A: The school construction guidance is preventive, not punitive. It's important we review projects to ensure tax dollars will be spent wisely and that the construction represents the most financially sound, student-centered construction decision.
Q: Why is the school construction guidance so broad?
The Department recognizes the fact schools across the state have differing needs and would not operate effectively under one set of standardized plans. It is the responsibility of the school board to determine the appropriate building size and cost in the district. School buildings reflect the leadership and culture of a particular district.
Q: How did the state create this guidance?
The Department met with school representatives, architects, and other state agencies to develop the best possible guidance for school construction. The guidance is designed to give school administrators the information they need to make financially sound, student-centered construction decisions.
Q: What is the goal of this guidance?
The guidance is designed to give school administrators the information they need to make financially sound, student-centered construction decisions.
Q: What role does the School Property Tax Control Board play in school construction?
The School Property Tax Control Board is seven-member panel that represents a diverse cross-section of educators, school administrators, business, finance, engineering, and architecture. The Board reviews school construction plans and meets with school officials who seek approval for construction projects. After thorough review, the Board makes a recommendation to the Commissioner of the Department to approve, disapprove or modify the project. The Commissioner is the approval authority for all projects. To learn more about the board or to review meeting minutes, listen to audio or view video of each of the board meetings, click here.
- How much property tax do I owe?
- Why haven’t I received my tax bill?
- Where can I find out how much homes have sold for in my area?
- What are property tax deductions and how do I know if I qualify for one?
- How are property taxes determined and calculated?
- Where can I locate a form?
- How do I file for the Homestead Credit or another deduction?
- What can I do if I missed the deadline to file for my tax deduction?
