In the August 2018 primary election, 73 percent of Marion County voters APPROVED renewing the one-mill funding referendum (originally passed in November 2014 with 54 percent of the vote) benefiting students and teachers in Marion County Public Schools.  Actual ballot language read:  

“Shall the Marion County School District’s one mill ad valorem millage be continued, beginning July 1, 2019, and ending June 30, 2023, for necessary operating expenses including safe schools, reading, physical education, art, music, library/media, and vocational programs; meeting class size requirements; and retaining State Certified teachers and paraprofessionals with oversight of these expenditures by an independent citizens financial oversight committee?” 

With this renewal and grateful thanks to Marion County voters, the district expects an additional $18 million each year for the next four years. What will these funds pay for? Additional safe schools measures, teachers - specifically in art, music, physical education, and library media services. Referendum dollars will also help the district meet class size requirements, attract, train, and retain highly-qualified teachers, and help expand vocational programs and services. 

As part of its promise, the Marion County School Board established an Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) to ensure the school district spends these tax dollars as promised. The ICROC committee meets throughout the year and reports directly to the Marion County School Board. 

Questions regarding ICROC? Please contact Chair Jane Moerlie at jane.moerlie@gmail.com.