Zionsville voters will face school funding question on Tuesday ballot

Zionsville residents will vote on a school referendum Tuesday.

The six-year proposal would allow Zionsville Community Schools to impose a 24.44-cent tax rate per $100 of assessed value for the next six years. It is the same rate already in place, which is set to expire at the end of the year.

School leaders have argued the referendum is needed to avoid future cuts to programs and teachers. Before the 2012 referendum’s passing, the district had to lay off 29 teachers, reduce the number of school counselors, eliminate 125 support staff members, reduce kindergarten hours, and initiate athletic and club fees.

The current referendum pays for nearly 87 full-time teachers.