December 12, 2019
Dear Washington Township Schools Staff, Families and Community:
Continued reductions in State support for public education has changed significantly over the past ten years. This has resulted in making it impossible to continue to educate at the superior levels to which taxpayers deserve in Washington Township. In fact, since 2009 State funding to Washington Township Schools has been reduced by $42 million while our enrollment has increased and operational costs and demands of public education have increased. It should also be noted that the State of Indiana does not fund capital construction projects. Those decisions of support are left to the residents of the Washington Township School community. That has resulted in use of the referendum process being used in over one hundred Indiana public school districts.
At the School Board meeting last night, the locally-elected Washington Township School Board members unanimously passed Resolutions to place referenda on the ballot for the May 5, 2020 election. The 2020 referenda objectives for our schools are:
- Improve student safety and achievement
- Provide better pay to attract & retain outstanding teachers and staff
- Make continued investment in schools and athletic facilities
- Protect our property values
On May 5th, 2020 voters in Washington Township will be asked to approve:
- Operating Referendum – Additional property tax rate that does not exceed $0.25 per $100 of assessed valuation (a $0.14 increase over the current $0.11 2016 Operating Referendum)
- Construction Referendum – Additional property tax rate that does not exceed $0.3172 per $100 of assessed valuation
Details about the referenda and specifics regarding tax implications for you personally can be found on our website: https://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/future-planning/. Additionally, at this website, you will find how the 2016 referendum funds will also support future needs of our schools.
Even with the May 2020 referendum property tax implications, Washington Township Schools will still have one of the lowest education tax rates in Marion County. We will communicate more detailed information as we move forward but wanted to provide timely information on last night’s Board action.
We appreciate your continued interest and support of Washington Township Schools.
Sincerely,
Mr. John Fencl Dr. Nikki Woodson
President Superintendent
Board of Education WT Schools
Washington Township School Board
Mr. John P. Fencl, President
Dr. Wanda Thruston, Vice President
Mr. Anthony S. Dzwonar, Secretary
Ms. Alexandra Curlin, Member
Mr. William Turner, Member
