FEBRUARY 2019
A Message from the Superintendent Dear Lawrence Faculty & Community Members,
In the fall of 2018, our district commissioned a survey to learn more about community knowledge and perceptions of the MSD of Lawrence Township. We gained a great deal of insight, learning that many families choose to live in our community as a result of both our strong schools and the availability of affordable housing. People believe that schools are important to the vitality and quality of life in the community. A take away for us as a corporation is that while people support Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter us, many don’t know who we are and how we are funded.
This is information that our community needs to understand. In 2005, the general assembly removed property taxes from the General Fund for schools. General Fund dollars now come from the state and are largely used to pay staff salaries. Property tax dollars go toward debt-service, transportation, bus replacement, and capital projects. In 2008, property tax caps were put in place, indicating that the total tax against a residential dwelling can only be 1% of its assessed valuation, and has to be spread through all taxing entities. To raise money beyond this cap requires a referendum. A referendum is where voters are asked to approve increasing the amount they pay in property taxes. Since 2009, state funding to our schools has been reduced by $45,398,444.
Over the next few months, we will aim to educate our stakeholders as to the vitality of our school corporation. Did you know that 16,035 students attend our schools? That each day, 21,425 meals are served to our students? That each day, 10,000 miles are driven by our buses? Be sure to look at our Fast Facts on the next page, and familiarize yourself with who we are. We truly are the heart of the community. Then, look through the following pages and take the time to learn about the Excellence that occurs in our district each and every day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn A. Smith Superintendent of Schools
The District of Destination MSD of Lawrence Township
Lawrence Education and Community Center 6501 Sunnyside Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 317-423-8200 Visit us on the web at www.LTschools.org