(HAMILTON) – A request to extend a referendum for Hamilton Community Schools passed on Tuesday.

Voters in the Steuben County portion of the School District approved the referendum with 274 YES votes and 72 NO voters. In the DeKalb County part of the District, the referendum passed with 94 YES votes and 20 NO votes.

Hamilton Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart explains why they brought this referendum to the people at this time. LINKC.

In November 2019, voters said Yes to a referendum that would impose a tax of up to 44 cents. At that time the referendum was said to be a necessity to make sure the schools would stay open.

With Tuesday’s approved, the referendum will be extended for eight more years at the maximum amount of 44 cents, which would generate just over $2.9 million.

The current referendum for Hamilton Schools runs until 2027. With Tuesday’s approval, the extension will go into effect January 1, 2026.