On Tuesday, November 3, Carmel voters will see a school funding referendum on their ballots. The measure merges two previous referendums into a single package and adds an overall tax increase. Local activist Tony Katz says the proposal is a back‑door way to raise spending and urges residents to say no.
Why the referendum draws criticism
Katz argues the district’s approach is misleading. Rather than simply extending existing funding levels, the ballot combines two past referendums and tacks on a new increase. \”This isn’t merging two referendums into one; this is merging two referendums in the past into one, and then increasing it. So why wasn’t that more honestly addressed?\” he asked.
He contends the slogan often used by supporters – \”support strong schools\” – is an “insulting” rhetorical shield that masks a request for more taxpayer money. \”You don’t support strong schools. You support not saying no, and telling people to live within their means, and recognizing that everybody is spending more, and maybe this time around, less is better,\” Katz said.
Fiscal concerns for families
Many Carmel families are already tightening their belts amid rising living costs. Katz says local government should model the same restraint it expects of residents. \”Our schools are strong. Now it’s time for our people to be strong,\” he added. \”Every now and again, you’re going to have to deal with less. You are. Or what you already had and make it work. The end. That’s all there is.\”
He warns that the added tax burden could strain household budgets, especially for those already coping with higher prices for essentials.
What voters need to know
The referendum does not propose a new school construction program or curriculum changes; its primary effect is a modest increase in the property tax levy to fund existing school operations. Because the measure combines two prior referendums, the total increase is higher than either of the earlier proposals would have been on their own.
Katz’s bottom line is simple: \”The idea that we’re going to merge the two into the one and then raise it—I’m a no.\” He urges fellow voters to share that stance.
How to vote
Ballots will be available at designated polling locations throughout Carmel on Election Day. Voters can also request absentee ballots in advance. For those who want more detail on the referendum, the Carmel‑Metropolitan School District has posted the full measure on its website.
Listeners can hear Katz discuss the issue live on weekdays on WIBC 93.1 FM or stream the full segment on‑demand via the station’s website.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
