News Summary
The Logan County School Board has announced plans to put a construction Nickel Tax on the ballot for November. This initiative aims to generate funds for significant upgrades and a new facility for Auburn Elementary School, prompted by rising student enrollment and deteriorating infrastructure. The proposed tax increase of over 4% is deemed essential to maintain safe and modern educational standards. If the tax fails, the board may need to consider redistricting to address overcrowding issues. Community support will be vital as the board prepares for the upcoming vote.
Auburn, Kentucky – The Logan County School Board has officially decided to place a construction Nickel Tax on the ballot for November 2026, aimed at funding significant upgrades and a new facility for Auburn Elementary School. This announcement was made during the board meeting held on August 26, 2025.
The proposed Nickel Tax is intended to address the increasing operational costs and necessary improvements for Auburn Elementary, which has been experiencing a steady rise in student enrollment. Over the past four years, the school has seen an average growth of approximately 30 students each year, creating an urgent need for enhanced facilities.
As part of the proposal, the Nickel Tax would result in a tax increase of more than 4% compared to the previous year’s tax, which had been repealed following a public challenge spearheaded by community members. This challenge prompted the need for a public vote due to the sufficient number of signatures collected advocating against the tax.
Superintendent Dan Costellow highlighted the necessity of modern and safe educational facilities to foster better learning opportunities for students. If the Nickel Tax does not pass, the school board may be forced to consider redistricting students in order to mitigate overcrowding at Auburn Elementary.
The construction related to the Nickel Tax is projected to yield over a million dollars annually for the school system, which is crucial for maintaining and upgrading school infrastructure. Each school district in Kentucky can introduce only one Nickel Tax, designed specifically to fund maintenance, repairs, and new constructions for educational institutions.
Currently, Logan County’s school district tax rates rank among the lowest in Kentucky, falling within the bottom 12% of districts. The new tax is expected to elevate the school tax to about 52.2 cents, improving the district’s ranking from 151 to 130 out of 171 districts statewide.
Auburn Elementary’s infrastructure is outdated, with certain sections dating back to 1958, which significantly limits renovation possibilities. The new school will be constructed on a 30-acre property located just outside the city of Auburn, a move intended to better accommodate the growing student population.
The ambitious plan is to complete the new Auburn Elementary School within a three-year time frame. Without the approval of the Nickel Tax, construction could take as long as ten years, potentially delaying crucial upgrades and affecting the quality of education provided to students in the district.
In an effort to alleviate concerns and build community support, Superintendent Costellow emphasized the importance of transparent communication regarding the benefits of the tax proposal. The school board is hopeful that by providing clear information, they can convert opposition into support as the community gears up for the vote in November 2026.
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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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
