“Avon shouldn’t need a referendum because I saw that the Indiana State Legislature ‘increased K-12 funding by $640 million – a 5% increase and the highest funding level to date for Hoosier students’.” Don’t believe the chatter. When Indiana leaders tout broad state-level increases in education funding, it’s important to understand all that is included and how that information fails to translate to adequate increases in state funding to traditional public schools. ACSC’s per-student funding is projected to increase 1.8% this year and 1.5% next year – well below inflation.

“Holding the referendum renewal vote during an off-cycle year is sneaky. Avon Schools is doing this because they’re hoping for low voter turnout while they pump their base to come out, vote, and force the referendum through.” Don’t believe the chatter. There are very important reasons why Avon Schools is holding the referendum renewal vote this November — involving new Indiana laws that contradict one another and could have led to a budget deficit of millions of dollars.

“Vote NO! Avon Schools must be held accountable.” Don’t believe the chatter. As a publicly funded institution, Avon Schools is held to an incredibly high standard of accountability – and they keep receipts. A vote to punish Avon Schools is seriously misled and only punishes students, educators, and our community. Trustworthiness, openness, transparency, and accountability are the values that guide and direct ACSC’s use of public funds.

“You promised us the 2018 Operating Referendum was supposed to be a one-time thing.” Don’t believe the chatter. The only promises district leaders made in 2018 were that Referendum funds would only be used for low class sizes, improved teacher pay, and student supports. Avon Schools kept those promises, never using a dime for administrator salaries, construction, technology, or transportation.

“Just look at Avon’s ILEARN scores. Money makes things worse.” Don’t believe the chatter. Standardized testing results can be misrepresented if they’re not interpreted correctly. The constantly changing standards and assessment measures in Indiana are why Avon shares test scores in terms of overall state ranking. This compares Avon Schools to other districts across the state who are all impacted by the changing measures. The Operating Referendum has made things better!

“Students don’t need clubs, so any referendum dollars Avon spends on extracurriculars, clubs, and student supports is a waste.” Don’t believe the chatter. Club Opportunities at Avon are not just nice to have. They are a strategic investment in our students’ skills, a vital component of their preparation for higher education, enlistment, and careers.

“Avon teachers are overpaid. Did you see they got a 52% pay increase?” Don’t believe the chatter. It doesn’t provide the full story. Because of the voter-approved 2018 Operating Referendum, Avon’s teachers are now paid more competitively, although they’re still not the best paid teachers around.

“Avon Schools is using $100,000 of taxpayer money for Vote YES materials.” Don’t believe the chatter. Vote YES materials are paid for by generous donations to Taxpayers 4 Avon Schools Political Action Committee (PAC). No school corporation or tax dollars are being used for PAC materials or activities.

“Avon district leaders are being sneaky. They hid an important video from the community.” Don’t believe the chatter. Avon Schools has published all videos, meetings, updates, FAQ and communications to their website, avon-schools.org/referendum. The leaders at Avon Schools operate with full transparency because they realize there is no other way to gain and retain the community’s trust.

“Avon Schools is sitting on $4 million of COVID money.” Don’t believe the chatter. Avon Schools has given a thorough report on how Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were allocated to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our taxes are going to go up 29%.” Don’t believe the chatter. This fall, the Avon Board of School Trustees is asking voters to approve a maximum tax rate that is $0.02 below what voters approved in 2018. The referendum renewal actually lowers the current tax rate.

“Avon Schools has installed marble floors in school buildings.” Don’t believe the chatter. School buildings have terrazzo flooring, a common material recommended by construction professionals because of its exceptional value and durability.

“We wouldn’t need a referendum if our facilities weren’t so extravagant.” Don’t believe the chatter. All school construction, renovation, expansion, and improvements are funded separate from the voter-approved referendum. The referendum is for instruction, not construction.

“Avon Schools has too many administrators.” Don’t believe the chatter. Avon Schools has a lean and efficient administrative staffing structure.