Ballot question
School City of Whiting (2) (Local Public Question)
- On the ballot in
- Whiting School City
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
Shall School City of Whiting increase property taxes paid to the School Corporation for no more than twenty-three years for the purpose of funding the School City of Whiting 2026 Student Facilities, Safety, and Transportation Improvement Project which includes health, safety, and security upgrades to all school facilities; renovation and improvements and the potential construction of additions to student learning environments at all school buildings; upgrades to school buildings to support technology-ready classrooms; and construction of and improvements to athletic and support facilities and performing arts and music facilities, including a band room, together with the purchase of equipment, technology and buses, and student safety improvements for which the principal debt amount for the project will cost no more than $39,305,000 and the financing cost including interest and fees will cost no more than an additional $28,810,000 and is estimated to increase the property taxes paid to the School Corporation by imposing a property tax rate that results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $3,500,000. If this capital referendum public question is approved by the voters, for a median residence of $250,000, the property's annual property tax bill would increase by $530 per year.
A “Yes” vote means
Whiting schools may borrow up to $39.3 million, plus up to $28.8 million in interest and fees, repaid by a property tax of up to $3.5 million a year for up to 23 years.
A “No” vote means
Whiting schools may not raise property taxes under this question to borrow for the facilities, safety and transportation project.
Official plain English statement
School City of Whiting asks voters to approve borrowing up to $39,305,000, plus up to $28,810,000 in interest and fees, repaid with property taxes for up to 23 years, for safety upgrades, renovations and possible additions at all its schools, technology-ready classrooms, athletic, arts and music facilities including a band room, equipment and buses. The ballot estimates a $250,000 median home would pay $530 more a year.
On the ballot as "SCHOOL CITY OF WHITING (2)" (Local Public Question), for voters in the School City of Whiting. A capital (construction) referendum: the DLGF determination says the school corporation estimates the project will cost $68,115,000 over a maximum term of 30 years. Whiting voters also decide a separate operating referendum.
Sources
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal)
- Findings and Final Determination on Proposed Question Submitted: School City of Whiting 2026 Student Facilities, Safety, and Transportation Improvement Project · Indiana Department of Local Government Finance
- Resolution 2026-06: approving the ballot language for the School City of Whiting public referendum · Lake County Board of Elections and Registration
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.