OneZone, the chamber of commerce representing Fishers and Carmel, has thrown its support behind the Carmel Clay Schools’ Operational Replacement Referendum. Carmel residents will go to the polls on May 2 for this election.

“High-performing public schools are at the top of the list of successful economic development factors. Carmel has repeatedly been recognized as a ‘best place’ to live and raise a family, and our strong schools play a significant role in that. Supporting this Replacement Referendum is important in continuing both high-quality educational opportunities and a thriving local business community,” stated Mo Merhoff, OneZone president , in a press release to Current .

Monies from the Operational Replacement Referendum will go directly to the district’s general fund, which is used for operating expenses such as salary, benefits, supplies, and utilities. Ninety-four percent of the general fund is used for staff salaries and benefits.

In 2010, the Carmel community responded to this inequity and approved an Operational Referendum.

“This referendum is set to expire December 2017, per state law,” stated Dr. Nicolas Wahl, Carmel Clay Schools superintendent in the release .“To allow the district to continue doing the excellent work it is currently doing for our students, we hope residents will get out the YES vote on May 2nd.”

For more on the Operational Replacement Referendum, visit: 1.ccs.k12.in.us/district/2017referendum and carmelschoolsyes.com.

Submitted release.