An operating referendum gives voters the opportunity to approve local funding to meet the needs of their community. Districts can use referendum funding for things like transportation, building upkeep, school safety, and staffing, and must specify how referendum dollars will be spent in the ballot question.

Please visit our Finance page for a full breakdown of how Indiana school funding works, the impact of SEA 1, and the budget context behind this referendum. 

The proposed operating referendum would last eight years, which is the standard duration allowed under Indiana law. 

By law, referendum funds may be used only for the purposes named in the ballot language, including:

• Recruiting and retaining classroom teachers
• Funding student safety and security
• Maintaining daily educational operations

Wayne Township holds an A+ bond rating from Standard & Poor's, reflecting strong financial management. This is one factor independent financial analysts use to evaluate a district's fiscal health and creditworthiness. 

Please visit our Finance page for a full breakdown of how Indiana school funding works, the impact of SEA 1, and the budget context behind this referendum. There, you'll find detailed information about the financial challenges facing MSD Wayne Township, the cost-saving measures already implemented, and why additional local support is being considered. 

If voters do not approve this referendum, the existing $0.35 rate would expire as scheduled in 2027 and would not be replaced. The district would need to address the resulting funding gap through other means, which would significantly impact programs, staffing, and services. 

Property tax referenda are billed directly to property owners, not renters. Renters do not receive a property tax bill as a result of this referendum.

Wayne Township has already implemented a number of cost-saving measures in response to declining revenues and changes in state property tax laws, including: 

• Eliminated 108 positions, including administrative, certified, and classified staff positions.
• Negotiated no employee raises for the 2025-26 school year. 
• Renegotiated vendor contracts to reduce expenses.
• Implemented black-and-white printing to lower printing costs.
• Reduced and eliminated overtime where possible.
• Modified trash pickup schedules to improve efficiency.
• Implemented energy-saving measures across district operations.
• Centralized processes to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.
• Extended the use of curricular materials before replacement.
• Adjusted staff and operations in response to enrollment declines.

Despite these significant reductions and efficiencies, Wayne Township continues to face substantial financial challenges. Please visit our Finance page for a breakdown of how Indiana school funding works, Wayne Township's current funding pressures, including the impact of SEA 1, and the budget context behind this referendum. 

Registered voters residing within Wayne Township school district boundaries are eligible to vote on this question in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Indiana sets aside specific funds for capital improvements, like the safety renovation of the front entrance at Ben Davis High School. These funds must be used for capital projects, and cannot be used for district operations.