The HSE school board voted Wednesday to place a renewal of the district's operating referendum on the November ballot. 

Here's an easy-to-understand rundown of what’s happening:

• The HSE school board has given the green light to renew the district's operating referendum. The last time the operating referendum was approved was in 2016. It will now again appear on the November 7 ballot.

• An operating referendum is a method by which voters can approve or reject specific proposals. In this context, the referendum helps the district offset property tax cap losses and continue hiring and retaining staff.

• The referendum proposes a change in the tax rate. The tax rate is $0.2275 for each $100 of the property's assessed value. If the referendum passes, it will decrease to $0.1995 for each $100 of the estimated value. If the referendum is approved, residents will pay less taxes than they are now.

  • However, residents' overall property tax bills could still potentially increase due to other factors, such as increases in property values or other tax levies.

• The implications are significant. If the referendum doesn't pass, the district must cut more than $26 million from its budget. Such a cut could result in larger class sizes, fewer librarians, and other reductions.

• The referendum has garnered notable support. The Fishers City Council voted in favor of a resolution supporting the referendum. Advance HSE, a political action committee of parents, teachers, and community members, also backs the measure.

City Council President @WeingardtForFCC expressed his support, saying, “Our action tonight further strengthens this relationship as we continue to promote our city as a great place to live and work.”

Mayor @ScottFadness added, “I wholeheartedly support the proposed renewal, and I am extremely pleased that the school board and city council came together to support it as well publicly.”

The outcome of this referendum will significantly influence the future of HSE schools and the Fishers community. 

For more information on the referendum, visit advanceHSEschools.com after July 13.

This is a developing story, and we'll keep you updated with any significant changes or updates.