Submitted by Yes CCS PAC
Yes for CCS PAC has announced a series of significant endorsements of the Carmel Clay Schools Operating Referendum from key organizations and community leaders, affirming the crucial importance of the upcoming referendum.
The referendum question will be on the upcoming Nov. 7 General Election ballot.
The referendum has received the following endorsements:
- OneZone Chamber: The business community recognizes that strong schools are the backbone of a thriving city. The OneZone Chamber recognizes the positive impact of Carmel Clay Schools on the local economy, one of the top reasons businesses decide to call Carmel home. “It is our duty to be informed and engaged in the future of our schools and city,” OneZone Chamber President Jack Russell said. “This referendum affects everyone in our community, from quality education, to motivating and keeping teachers, to keeping Carmel a desirable city.”
- Both Carmel mayoral candidates: In a testament to the bipartisan nature of this issue, both mayoral candidates, Democrat Miles Nelson and Republican Sue Finkam, have committed their support to the referendum.
- The Carmel Education Foundation: An organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students, the Carmel Education Foundation recognizes that this referendum is pivotal to maintaining the high-quality educational experiences that students deserve.
- Carmel City Council: The Carmel City Council has unanimously passed a resolution in support of the referendum. This united stance emphasizes the importance of securing adequate funding for Carmel schools to sustain educational excellence. High-quality schools attract families to live in Carmel, directly contributing to the city’s high property values. A drop in education quality could jeopardize this synergy, potentially leading to lower property values.
Importance of the referendum
This referendum is not a new tax; it is a renewal of the existing referendum at the same rate that has been in place since 2017.
The funds provided by the operating referendum make up nearly 20 percent of the annual education budget for salaries, benefits, and educational programming. Without these funds, almost $25 million would have to be cut from the budget. The only way to do this is to cut teachers – resulting in larger class sizes, cuts to educational programming, and a lower quality of education for children.
Furthermore, Carmel’s property values are closely tied to the quality of schools. A drop in educational quality could lead to lower property values, affecting everyone in the community.
Get informed & make a difference
Yes for CCS Co-Chair Nicki McNally underlined the significance of these endorsements, saying, “These endorsements speak to the widespread recognition of the pivotal role our schools play in our community. This referendum is not about politics; it’s about ensuring a prosperous future for Carmel. Vote YES on November 7.”
The operating referendum renewal ensures that Carmel continues to have the lowest school tax rate in Hamilton County while maintaining the exceptional quality of education that has become synonymous with the Carmel community.
For more information, visit YesForCCS.org.