Logan County, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The Logan County School Board has greenlit a nickel tax proposal that will be on the November 2026 ballot to fund improvements at Auburn Elementary School. The tax aims to address rising student enrollment and the need for facility expansion. Superintendent Dan Costellow highlighted the growing student population, indicating that the existing facility is inadequate. If approved, the nickel tax could generate over a million dollars annually, significantly aiding the construction of a new school in the area.
Logan County School Board Approves Nickel Tax for Auburn Elementary Facility on November 2026 Ballot
The Logan County School Board has approved a proposal to place a construction nickel tax on the November 2026 ballot, intended to fund improvements for Auburn Elementary School. This decision was made during a board meeting held on August 26, 2025. The proposed tax aims to address the pressing needs to expand the facility in response to an increase in student population.
Superintendent Dan Costellow reported a steady annual growth of about 30 students at Auburn Elementary over the past four years. Despite recent redistricting efforts that aimed to alleviate overcrowding, the measures taken have proven insufficient to accommodate the continual rise in enrollment. If the nickel tax initiative does not pass, the board may have to consider redistricting students to other schools to manage the overpopulation issue.
The new nickel tax is projected to be more than a 4% increase from the previous year’s tax, which was recalled after a community petition garnered enough signatures to necessitate a public vote. The anticipated revenue from this tax is expected to exceed one million dollars annually, providing a financial boost to the school district’s plans for maintenance, repairs, and construction of new school facilities. Currently, each school district is allowed to impose only one nickel tax dedicated to these specific purposes.
Logan County’s existing school district tax rates rank within the bottom 12% of Kentucky’s school districts. Should the proposed nickel tax pass, the school tax rate would rise to approximately 52.2 cents, boosting the district’s ranking from 151st to 130th among 171 districts statewide. This improvement in ranking could enhance the school district’s ability to generate necessary funds for its facilities and programs.
Auburn Elementary’s current building is outdated, with portions dating back as far as 1958. Such age limits the potential for renovation. The plan is to construct a new school on a 30-acre property located outside of Auburn, with an aim to complete the project within three years. Without the funding from the proposed nickel tax, completion could take as long as a decade.
As the planning process develops, Costellow has indicated that informing the community about the necessity of the new construction is crucial to shift current opposition away from the proposal and toward a more supportive stance.
Background Context
Auburn Elementary has long served as a vital educational facility in the Logan County School District, and the recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the school in meeting the needs of its growing student body. Redistricting alone has not been adequate, as the demand for space continues to outpace current capabilities.
The upcoming public vote on the nickel tax signifies a critical moment for the district and its stakeholders. The outcome will dictate how the district can address its structural shortcomings and enhance the learning environment for students. The school board remains committed to working closely with the community to gauge support for the proposed tax.
Key Tax Proposal Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Rate Increase | More than 4% increase from last year |
| Annual Revenue | Over $1 million anticipated annually |
| Current Tax Ranking | 151 out of 171 districts; projected to improve to 130 with new tax |
| Facility Age | Parts of the existing building date back to 1958 |
| New Construction Timeline | Completion within 3 years if tax approved |
| Redistricting Necessity | May occur if the tax does not pass |
FAQ Section
What is the nickel tax for?
The nickel tax is intended to fund necessary operations and improvements for Auburn Elementary School, specifically to construct a new facility to accommodate a growing student population.
When will the vote take place?
The vote on the nickel tax is scheduled for November 2026.
How much revenue is expected from the nickel tax?
The proposed nickel tax is expected to generate over a million dollars annually for the school system.
What will happen if the tax does not pass?
If the tax does not pass, student redistricting may be necessary to manage overcrowding at Auburn Elementary.
When was the current Auburn Elementary building constructed?
Parts of the current Auburn Elementary building date back to 1958, which limits renovation options.
What is the timeline for the new facility construction?
The goal is to complete the new Auburn Elementary School within three years, contingent upon passing the nickel tax.
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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