After the Coles County tax swap failed to pass during the primary election Tuesday, school officials are now forced to look at what to do next.

The school districts proposed a 1 percent tax increase with a promise of property tax relief for the residents. The new sales tax had the possibility of raising $4.5 million annually for county schools.

The tax proposal failed to reach a simple majority, and the school districts will now evaluate their options to determine their next move.

“We need to look at the demographics and see what precincts did pass (the tax),” said Jim Littleford, superintendent of the Charleston School District. “It’s now time to network with the other school districts and find out what needed to be done differently.”

Larry Lilly, superintendent of the Mattoon School District, said now they need to meet with the other school districts and the boards of education to plan their options.

“In the short term, we will turn our attention to putting together the next fiscal year’s budget, which begins on July 1,” Lilly said.

The administration within the school districts will look at their expenses and see where they can cut back and save, given the financial situation of the state.

“In an uncertain economic time within the state and the nation, any time you ask for a tax increase, no matter what kind of tax it might be, its a difficult question to ask,” Lilly said.

And, along with the economic issues occurring, the school district pledge to lower the property taxes was not binding, Lilly said.

“The citizens were concerned that the Coles County school districts would not necessarily follow through with the tax abatement,” Littleford said. “Trust was the big issue haunting everyone.”

Kayleigh Zyskowski can bereached at 581-7942

or at kyskowski@eiu.edu