Initial vote totals for the Northwest Allen County Schools operating referendum suggest the outcome will be close, with 52% of early voters opposing the measure to increase taxes for staff initiatives, according to unofficial results tonight from the election board.

Totals were 565 against and 530 for the ballot question according to a 6 p.m. report.

Polls closed at 6 p.m.

The district had been building to the special election since last fall, when Superintendent Wayne Barker described NACS as woefully underfunded. He explained the school system receives about $8 million less in annual state and property tax funding when compared with the state average.

Referendums are ballot measures that allow schools to raise additional property tax revenue beyond state-imposed limits.

If approved,

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