JCHS project on hold (1/19/05)

A proposal made by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels Tuesday night has put the brakes on a proposed renovation and expansion of Jay County High School.

In his State of the State address, Daniels imposed a 120-day moratorium on all current and pending projects that would require bonds to be issued. He also promised to toughen the standards regarding approval of proposed school projects and proposed a freeze at current levels of funding for education at all levels.

The superintendent of the Jay School Corporation said this morning that while the local project has been delayed, she believes the project has significant educational value.

“In essence, it does stop the process,” Barbara Downing said. “With 120 days ... probably (moving forward on the project) wouldn’t be discussed any more probably until late summer, maybe even August.”

The Department of Local Government Finance has been ordered by Daniels to develop new regulations regarding proposed projects. Downing said those new rules could include “templates” for schools that want to expand.

Board discussion is likely to continue on the goals and details of the project, which has a cap of $26.6 million. Among the major components as proposed would be a heating and cooling system, renovation of some classroom areas, construction of an auxiliary gym and renovation or reconstruction of the school’s pool.

On other subjects covered Tuesday night by the state’s first Republican governor in 16 years, local reaction was mixed.

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier, a Republican, said he liked the general tone and message delivered by Daniels, who made at least three appearances in Jay County during his campaign.

Tim Southworth, the chairman of the Jay County Democratic Party, was, like his fellow party members in the Indiana legislature, skeptical of some and critical of other proposals by Daniels.

And a top local economic development official said that although he liked much of what he heard from the governor, there weren’t many specifics in terms of growing the state’s economy.

The proposal to make approval of school construction projects tougher wasn’t a surprise to Downing. But she did admit she was surprised by the 120-day moratorium imposed by Daniels.

She also wasn’t surprised to hear a proposed freezing of funding for schools of all levels across the state.

“The state is in a deficit and must do something to turn that around for the sake of everyone,” Downing said. “We have increased ... costs ... we will continue to remain out of a deficit ... no matter if we are flat-lined.”

Approximately 67 percent of Jay Schools’ funding comes from the state. The current year general fund budget is about $22 million, meaning approximately $14.7 million of that amount came from the state. The last increase in state funding for the 2004 budget was 1.9 percent, or about $270,000, Brad DeRome, business manager for Jay Schools, said this morning.

Doug Inman, president of the Jay School Board, said he had mixed feelings about the governor’s proposed freeze of funds.

“I’m not sure what is fair and equitable, but I do understand that schools are going to have to be affected,” Inman said. “If there’s going to be an effort made ... to balance the budget, it is understandable to me that schools should be a part of that also.”

Southworth, speaking by phone from his Salamonia home, said “I’m just concerned first of the impact it’s going to be on the working families, the elderly and the poor. My question would be how did we get here in the first place? We’re not in this alone in the state of Indiana, every state is having this (economic) problem,” said Southworth, who pins the blame for the current economic climate on the policies of President Bush.

His reaction was also cool to the proposed cuts/changes in regards to education, and to a proposed one year, 1 percentage point increase in income tax for individuals or couples making more than $100,000 per year.

“I don’t think anybody wants to raise taxes,” Southworth said. “Personally, I’m against any tax increase right now. We are slowly gaining on (the state’s budget deficit).”

“I have faith in Gov. Daniels. He has ... a good heart, and I believe he will get us back on track,” Portland Mayor Hosier said.

“I believe he’s very sincere in his approach to this. The governor, just like the mayor in a community, needs to lead. Gov. Daniels is taking a bold leadership on the problems, and I commend him for that.”

Hosier said he liked how Daniels asked a variety of people and entities — including local and county governments — to share in the cuts or freezes. “We all, in some measure, will have to do some sacrifice,” Hosier said.

Robert Quadrozzi, director of Jay County Development Corporation, said this morning that he liked a statement by Daniels regarding cutting red tape for small businesses.

“Speaking about the economic development part, he didn’t really say a whole lot. Some of the things he did mention ... everybody knew,” Quadrozzi said.

One topic mentioned by Daniels — a motorsports industry cluster in and around Indianapolis — does have a local connection, Quadrozzi said.

Three local companies — Portland Forge, Moser Engineering and Qualtech Tool & Engineering — have developed business relationships centered on axles for racing applications.

Quadrozzi said a committee that includes representatives from all three companies, the city and JCDC is meeting tomorrow to discuss the concept of a motorsports cluster locally.[[In-content Ad]]