WESTFIELD - Westfield voters will decide in November if they're willing to continue funding an Operating Referendum, expected to raise about $5.5 million for the school system.
The Westfield Washington School Board approved placing a continuing referendum on the Nov. 8 general election ballot that would add 20 cents for every $100 of assessed valuation for both personal and business properties.
If approved in November, the money will go into the corporation's general fund and used for operating expenses, particularly health care, maintenance, utilities and special education.
Westfield Washington School Superintendent Dr. Sherry Gate, in a letter to voters, said the referendum is not new, rather a continuation of what was approved in 2010. In 2010 voters OK'd a ballot initiative for 23 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
"The tax rate will actually decrease compared to what was approved in 2010," Gate said.
Approval will move Westfield closer to the state average for school funding.
Westfield Washington Schools' enrollment has increased from 5,850 in 2009 to 7,164 students in 2015. Enrollment for 2016 is projected at 7,416.
Gate said the referendum is necessary because Westfield Washington Schools rank in the bottom 10 of school districts in the state in terms of per-pupil operating support, which is determined by the state.
Despite corporation's low ranking in per-pupil support, Westfield Washington Schools is in the top 3 percent of Indiana schools in ISTEP+ success, Westfield High School has the highest graduation rate in Hamilton County at 98.2 percent, and was recognized by U.S. News and World Report and The Washington Post as a top high school in Indiana and in the nation.
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