St. Joseph board plans resolution and outreach on Amendment Five; staff to brief trustees next month

The St. Joseph School Board discussed a planned outreach and advocacy effort on Amendment Five, a ballot proposal that would alter property-tax funding for public education. Trustees said they want to educate voters and consider a board resolution before the election period.

Board members agreed staff would prepare a draft resolution for the July 6 work session so trustees can act quickly if desired. Members also asked that Dr. Hedgeforth prepare a briefing for the July meeting to explain potential consequences of the amendment for school budgets and operations.

A board member said the group’s goal is both to educate the public about the measure’s likely effects and to deliver a unified board position if the trustees choose to adopt a resolution. The board discussed inviting legislators for a face-to-face visit in a later phase of outreach but decided to pause scheduling visits until the new legislative membership is known.

Staff said the resolution draft will be circulated to trustees by email; the goal is to finalize messaging and talking points in time for the work session so the board can make an informed choice ahead of the August ballot.