Anderson, Elwood School Referendums Fail
Both districts fell short of passing operating referendums in Tuesday's election, with Anderson losing by 82 votes and Elwood by 158.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Administration
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Anderson Community Schools' operating referendum, which would have renewed a $0.1077 tax rate, failed by 82 votes in Tuesday's election. Elwood Community Schools' operating referendum failed by 158 votes on the same ballot.
Why it matters
The defeats leave both districts facing budget shortfalls, with Anderson projecting deficits in 2027 and 2028 and Elwood anticipating further reductions to align spending with available revenue. Additional cuts are expected to affect staffing, programs and services.
Anderson's referendum, which would have renewed a $0.1077 operations tax rate, fell 82 votes short, while Elwood's fell 158 votes short. Anderson faces projected deficits of $5.5 million in 2027 and $8.25 million in 2028, and Elwood projects a $13 million deficit by 2034.
The players
Anderson Community Schools
The public school district serving Anderson, Indiana, whose operating referendum failed in the November 2026 election.
Elwood Community Schools
The public school district serving Elwood, Indiana, whose operating referendum also failed in the November 2026 election.
Joe Cronk
The superintendent of Anderson Community Schools, who will retire in the summer of 2027.
Troy Friedersdorf
The superintendent of Elwood Community Schools, who posted a statement following the referendum result.
The details
Superintendent Troy Friedersdorf posted a statement on the Anderson district's Facebook page late Tuesday night, and Superintendent Joe Cronk posted a statement on the same platform Wednesday morning. The referendums were voted on during Tuesday's election.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Anderson and Elwood operating referendums fail to pass.
Summer 2027: Superintendent Joe Cronk retires.
2027: Anderson projects a $5.5 million budget deficit.
2028: Anderson projects an $8.25 million budget deficit.
2034: Elwood projects a $13 million deficit.
Season Trajectory
Local operating referendums are a recurring mechanism Indiana school districts use to fund operations beyond state formulas. The failures in Anderson and Elwood place both districts in the position of having to make budget reductions rather than rely on new local revenue.
Families in Anderson and Elwood should expect that staffing, programs and services may be reduced as districts work to close projected shortfalls. The referendum results mean the operating tax renewal will not take effect, leaving district budgets to adjust to lower revenue.
The takeaway
Community votes on school operating referendums can shift district budgets significantly, and even narrow margins like Anderson's 82 votes can determine whether programs are preserved or cut. Residents interested in district finances can follow board meetings for updates on planned reductions.
What happens next
Anderson projects a $5.5 million deficit in 2027 and an $8.25 million deficit in 2028, while Superintendent Joe Cronk retires in summer 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Administration to see how school district leadership handles budget decisions after a failed referendum.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Herald Bulletin.
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