If Lake Station voters back an extension of a $1.3 million, eight-year property tax referendum Nov. 5, full bus service will begin again the same week, Lake Station Superintendent Thomas Cripliver told the city council during its Thursday meeting.
If the referendum fails, officials have warned bus transportation would be discontinued in February 2025 without the funding to operate it.
Although the city of Lake Station has no governing power over its school district, concern over the upcoming referendum vote dominated the council meeting.
The district reduced bus service to three days a week when school began in August with the other two days left to remote learning. The hybrid schedule has left parents scrambling to make sure their children are supervised during their home e-learning sessions.
Resident Cindy Robb, who has a grandson in the district, said his at-home school days have been troubled by sporadic Internet service and attendance issues.
“The hybrid schedule jeopardizes peoples’ jobs,” she said…. “We want children back in school and to have bus rides. I would really like you mayor to step up for us, we want to stay here in Lake Station, we really do.”
Mayor Bill Carroll said he’s already written a letter endorsing the referendum, as he did last year, and he said the city council supports it, as well. The council will weigh a resolution supporting the referendum at its Oct. 10 meeting.
“You cannot have a strong community without a strong school district… We’re trying here, I don’t think there’s a person up here who’s against the referendum for our schools,” said Carroll. “I wish we had more money.”
Facing the loss of several extra-curricular clubs and its yearbook, the city’s redevelopment commission made a $50,000 donation to the district in July to restore its clubs and extra-curricular programs and sponsors.
Councilwoman Kelli Williams, D-3rd, said she has gone door-to-door to get a petition signed to get the referendum on the fall ballot. Last year, the referendum failed by 14 votes.
“I support the referendum 100%,” she said. “The turnout was terrible at the last election. The school board was begging people to vote… I want to see our kids succeed.”
Councilwoman Erika Castillo, D-4th, also cited last year’s poor turnout. She said the final day for voter registration is Oct. 7 and early voting begins Oct. 8.
“If they’re not registered, they can’t vote… “You can also ask them if they need a ride, or an absentee ballot.”
Cripliver said the district will soon roll out a campaign with signs and banners. He plans to appear on radio shows and a town hall forum is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Edison High School. Details on referendum spending are on the district’s website and social media pages.
“We have to get out there and make sure people actually go and vote,” Carroll said. “At the end of the day, some people tell you they don’t care. That’s what’s hurting us…. “We want the best for our community, and we will fight for the referendum.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.