By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A proposed referendum for the Wawasee Community School Corporation that would have given the school corporation more than $3 million but also raised taxes for property owners was soundly defeated by a margin of 64% to 36%. There were a total of 9,378 votes cast covering Turkey Creek, Tippecanoe and Van Buren townships and a portion of Jefferson Township with 5,994 no votes to 3,384 voting yes.

None of the four townships had more yes votes than no votes. Tippecanoe Township had the most yes votes with 1,333, while Turkey Creek Township had the most no votes with 2,700.

Results by township are as follows: Tippecanoe (2,088 voted no, 1,333 voted yes); Turkey Creek (2,700 voted no, 1,307 voted yes); Van Buren (1,178 voted no, 689 voted yes); Jefferson (108 voted no, 55 voted yes). By precinct, there were no precincts in any of the four townships with more yes votes than no votes.

Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, said, “It is disappointing to lose when you know the results will affect children.” He added he was surprised at the wide margin of defeat. “I figured it would be closer,” he noted.

Edington stressed, though, as important as the referendum is, dealing with the coronavirus has been more important. He noted there were limits placed on campaigning due to the virus, meaning there was no door-to-door campaigning and no large community meetings were held in order to minimize possible exposure to the virus.

Presentations were made to local service clubs, and Edington spoke at town council meetings in Milford, North Webster and Syracuse. The referendum was also discussed at a few school board meetings.

Edington said timing was likely a factor in the referendum being defeated. Many people have lost jobs, had hours reduced or have had their retirement investments negatively affected. “People value money and I can understand people looking out for their financial interests,” he said.

There is much uncertainty due to the coronavirus, and Edington said, “We will have to work within our present budget to meet our goals.” He said although Gov. Eric Holcomb has promised there will be no state budget cuts for public schools, “it is assumed at some point schools will have to take their cuts.”

He also emphasized, “We didn’t want this to be divisive in any way,” and “We will move forward and work for the best interests of children.”