IPS Board OKs Nearly $1 Billion Tax Referendum For May Ballot

District officials say the new funds are essential to ensure annual pay raises for teachers, enhance special education services and improve safety and security measures at all buildings.

Without the funding, the IPS officials say, a hiring freeze on teachers and staff, cuts to academic programs and reduced transportation services.

“Our goal ultimately is to ensure our students receive the highest quality education that they are entitled to,” says IPS chief of staff Ahmed Young. “In order to do that we have to presume this referendum on the operating and capital side.”

• 
• Source: WFYI Public Media
• Via: Eric Weddle

Two taxpayer referendums worth nearly $1 billion were approved unanimously by the Indianapolis Public Schools Board Thursday to be placed on the May primary ballot. It marks the largest property tax increase ever sought by the district. IPS has not sought an increase since its successful campaign in 2008.

Read more at: www.wfyi.org