Northwest Allen County Schools' effort to annually collect up to $12 million in property taxes for staffing initiatives failed with 54% of voters opposing a proposed operating referendum, according to unofficial results tonight.

The proposed revenue stream would have supported various staffing initiatives, including increased compensation and additional positions.

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.

About 20% of registere

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