YES for ZCS
PROTECT CLASS SIZES
PROTECT STUDENT PROGRAMS
PROTECT PROPERTY VALUES
YES for ZCS is a parent-led, non-partisan group working to engage the community in support of Zionsville Community Schools. We use facts to inform voters about the upcoming operating referendum, increase voter registration and participation, and build broad community support for the investment our schools and students need to thrive.
Get to know the ballot question
Local Public question: Zionsville Community Schools Ref
Shall Zionsville Community Schools increase property taxes paid to the school corporation for no more than eight (8) years for the purpose of funding and sustaining academic and educationally related programs and managing class sizes which reflect community standards by imposing a property tax rate that does not exceed 0.4128 and results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $21,463,325. If this operating referendum public question is approved by the voters, for a median residence of $600,000.00, the property's annual property tax bill would increase by $1,368.00 per year. The most recent property tax referendum proposed by the school corporation was held in 2019 and passed.
What it is required* to say:
What it means:
This is a renewal of the existing Operating Referendum, NOT a new tax.
The tax rate and annual amount listed are the maximums allowed by law, but they are not what is required. The ZCS School Board sets the actual rate and amount each year through a public process.
This language is written as if there is no existing referendum, using the maximum rate at the highest taxable value of your home.
The average change for the median residence is
$7.10 a year.
*Language as required by 2025 IN law SEA 1
Ways to help YES for ZCS right now.
THE FACTS
Zionsville Community Schools has had an operating referendum since 2012. Voters approved it then, renewed it in 2015, and renewed it again in 2019. It is what keeps our class sizes low, ensures we keep our outstanding academic programs, and protects our home and property values.
This November, it's on the ballot again, and it's more important than ever.
Lowest funded
ZCS receives the lowest per-pupil funding of any district in Indiana. The reason our schools still rank among the state’s best? You, the voter. Since 2012, the operating referendum has been the bridge between what the state provides and what our kids actually need to thrive.
One in three teachers
The referendum funds approximately 160 of our 500 ZCS teachers — every kindergarten teacher, every counselor, and every art, music, and PE teacher. The operating referendum also funds world languages, PLTW, and instructional coaches.
Without a YES vote on the referendum, those positions are at risk.
The real impact
Recent state property tax changes mean many households are projected to see their total tax bill go down, even with the referendum renewal.
Run your own numbers before you vote with Zionsville Community School's calculator.
Key Boone County Voting Dates
October 5
Voter Registration Deadline
October 6
Absentee Voting Begins
October 24
Absentee Voting Begins
Early in-person voting begins
November 3
Election Day