Logan County, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The Logan County School Board has approved a Nickel Tax to fund a new facility for Auburn Elementary School. The proposal aims to address rising student enrollment and will be on the ballot in November. Superintendent Dan Costellow reported an ongoing increase in students, making the new facilities essential. The tax is projected to raise over one million dollars annually, primarily for construction and maintenance. Current facilities are outdated, with parts dating back to 1958, necessitating immediate action to prevent overcrowding.
Logan County
The Logan County School Board has approved a Nickel Tax to fund a new facility for Auburn Elementary School, placing the measure on the ballot for November 2026. The decision was made during a board meeting held on August 26, 2025, and aims to address the increasing number of students within the district.
Superintendent Dan Costellow reported a steady enrollment growth at Auburn Elementary, noting an increase of approximately 30 students per year over the last four years. Despite recent redistricting efforts, which have provided some temporary relief, these measures are deemed insufficient to accommodate ongoing demand. If the Nickel Tax does not pass, officials may have to explore student redistricting to alleviate overcrowding.
The Nickel Tax proposal represents more than a 4% increase from the previous year’s tax rate, which was recalled following a petition by community members that gathered enough signatures to trigger a public vote. The potential tax is projected to raise over one million dollars annually for the school system. This funding will primarily support maintenance, repairs, and construction related to the schools. Notably, each district in Kentucky is allowed only one Nickel Tax.
Logan County’s current tax rates for school districts rank within the bottom 12% statewide, and the approval of this tax could elevate the district’s tax rate to approximately 52.2 cents. This change could boost the district’s standing from 151st to 130th out of 171 districts in Kentucky.
Presently, Auburn Elementary’s infrastructure is outdated, with sections of the building dating back to 1958, which limits the feasibility of renovations. Plans call for the new facility to be constructed on a 30-acre property outside of the current Auburn area. Superintendent Costellow believes that community awareness and understanding of the proposal will be crucial in transforming any existing opposition into support.
The timeline for the completion of the new Auburn Elementary School spans three years, whereas without the implementation of the Nickel Tax, construction could potentially extend to ten years.
Background Context
Auburn Elementary School has been facing challenges due to an increasing student population, which has led to overcapacity issues. The administration emphasizes the need for modern facilities to ensure student safety and provide adequate learning opportunities. The proposed Nickel Tax serves as a critical step toward addressing these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Nickel Tax for Auburn Elementary?
The Nickel Tax is a proposed construction tax that aims to fund a new facility for Auburn Elementary School, addressing overcrowding due to an increasing student population.
When will the Nickel Tax be on the ballot?
The Nickel Tax will appear on the ballot in November 2026.
How much revenue is the Nickel Tax expected to generate?
The Nickel Tax is projected to raise over one million dollars annually for the school system.
Why is a new facility needed for Auburn Elementary?
The current buildings are outdated, with parts of the structure dating back to 1958, and the school is experiencing continual growth in student enrollment.
What happens if the Nickel Tax does not pass?
If the Nickel Tax does not pass, the district may need to consider redistricting students to prevent overcrowding at Auburn Elementary School.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Tax Year | November 2026 |
| Projected Revenue | Over $1 million annually |
| Current Tax Ranking | Bottom 12% in Kentucky |
| Potential Tax Rate Increase | 4% more than last year |
| New Facility Timeline | 3 years with tax; 10 years without |
| Current Building Year | Parts date back to 1958 |
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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