Why does WWS need a new operating referendum? Here's the short version.
WWS runs on three funding "buckets": the state-funded Education Fund (68% of the district's $115.2M 25-26 budget), the locally-funded Operations Fund (20%), and the locally-approved Operating Referendum Fund (12%). The first two haven't kept pace with a growing district — so the gap keeps landing on the third
State funding is not keeping pace with growth at WWS.
$15.1 M Funding Gap: Projected 2026 gap from below-average state funding and property tax cap losses, up from $9.8M in 2022. New state caps since 2022 cost another $3.6M.
260 of 290: Where WWS ranks among Indiana districts in state funding, $558 below the average per student.
2nd Lowest: Westfield’s referendum funding per student compared with five neighboring districts.
WWS has a track record for not taking more than they need:
When voters approved the current referendum in 2022, WWS actually lowered its rate from $0.20 to $0.17, planning for about $1.6 million less revenue because rising property values were expected to make up the difference. Legislative changes since then limited that growth — so the real reduction in revenue has grown.
The maximum rate appearing on the ballot question is $0.3941 per $100 AV. WWS has already confirmed they project taking just $0.3381 and plan to not hit the maximum.