Editor,
I am voting YES for the referendum on May 2. Our schools are overcrowded and in need of additional facilities to expand not only for our children’s safety but also to keep class sizes reasonable and for new program opportunities. We chose to build our house in Westfield 12 years ago specifically for the schools. I am sure many others chose Westfield for the same reason! Great school systems bring more houses. Westfield is a growing community and there are growing pains that come with that. Part of the reason we have seen so much growth so quickly can be attributed to the downturn in the economy a few years ago. Many of the housing projects we have seen developed in the last few years had been approved prior to 2008 but sat dormant until the economy picked up again.
We have to pass this referendum to maintain and grow our school system. All of the school systems around us have experienced this same growth and similar growing pains. We are fortunate to live in Hamilton County. We were the fastest-growing county in Indiana in 2016. Hamilton County grew by 13 percent. I am glad we live in a thriving community. Many Indiana communities are dealing with much bigger problems, like consolidated and closing schools and losing population to communities like ours.
While no one wants their taxes to go up, it is a price that we must pay to maintain the quality of life in Westfield. The current school administration has many great ideas and plans and are very willing to listen and talk to anyone concerned. Please join me in voting YES on May 2 to allow or school system the opportunity to grow and accommodate the needs of our children.
Jill Doyle
WWS Parent
Westfield resident since 2005