Understanding the (Very Confusing) Ballot Question
In 2018, when Avon-Washington Township voters approved the Operating Referendum, the question on the ballot had 82 words. In the last seven years, state lawmakers have made the question even more confusing. It now has 137 words.
Here’s the language you’ll see on the ballot:
SPECIAL ELECTION
HENDRICKS COUNTY INDIANA
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
PUBLIC QUESTION
Vote For One (1) Only
Shall Avon Community School Corporation continue to impose increased property taxes paid to the school corporation by homeowners and businesses for eight (8) years immediately following the holding of the referendum for the purpose of providing funding to maintain reduced class sizes, maintain competitive compensation to attract and retain teaching staff, and maintain instructional supports and opportunities for students, while changing the previously approved maximum rate from $0.35 to $0.33? The property tax increase requested in this referendum was originally approved by voters in 2018 and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a residence within the school corporation by 29.84% and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a business property within the school corporation by 23.95%.
Making Sense of the Question
This is TRUE: In 2018, Avon-Washington Township voters approved a maximum rate just over $0.35. (Although, they never claimed the full amount, lowering it 32% since then.) In 2025, the requested max rate is $0.02 lower at $0.03.
This is MISLEADING: The question is required by state law to use the word ‘increase’ or ‘increased’ four times without taking into account the fact that Avon Schools is asking for a lower rate than what voters approved in 2018.
This is CONFUSING: These percentages, 29.84% and 23.95%, do not account for the fact that there is a referendum currently in place. They also assume that the school corporation applies the maximum tax rate. Since 2018, Avon Schools has never applied the full voter-approved tax rate. ACSC has decreased the rate by 32%.
Bottom Line
Your YES vote will ensure the 2018 voter-approved Operating Referendum will continue. Vote YES 4 Avon Schools.