Thank you to everyone who came out to the Oriole Advocates quarterly meeting last night. Whether you were with us in person or not, we know all of you are committed to advocating for Avon schools. This is the time! We need to speak loudly with many, MANY voices!

The budget bill that passed the House will be yet another setback for our schools. Avon would see only a 0.7% increase in funding which is much less than inflation (2.2%) and 3-4 times less than schools like Carmel, Zionsville or Westfield would receive.

It is critical that our legislator hear from us before the Senate votes on this bill in the next couple weeks. We challenge everyone to write at least 3 letters or emails or make phone calls ASAP. And further challenge you to reach out to at least 1 other person to do the same.

We know that copied and pasted messages are ineffective and often ignored. So make your messages your own and let you passion come through, but always remain respectful. The following are some talking points to help craft your messages but, as always, share what speaks loudest to you.

House approved budget (now to be considered by Senate)

• Avon’s funding does not keep pace with inflation. Under the House approved budget, Avon’s funding increases 0.7% while inflation was 2.2% last year.
• That amounts to $39/student increase — insufficient given rising costs in all areas of our budget.
• Avon is as lean as it can be. Compared to 2009: we have 27 fewer teachers, 6 fewer administrators, 20 fewer custodians & 931 more students.
• While all entities were hit hard by the Great Recession, Avon also contends with the impact of tax caps. Many Hoosiers appreciate having our taxes capped, but had no idea that the impact on our highly residential district would be $47 million (since tax caps were enacted).
• School districts in other suburban Indianapolis districts are slated to receive increases at or above the inflation rate. (see graphic)

You can find contact information for many of our legislators on our Facebook page or by entering your address on the Indiana General Assembly Find your Legislator page. The following are a few critical ones to reach, but don’t feel like you have to stop with them.

• Rep. Greg Steuerwald: h40@iga.in.gov – 800-382-9841
• Sen. John Crane: s24@iga.in.gov – 800-382-9467
• Rep. Jeff Thompson: h28@iga.in.gov – 800-328-9841

The mailing address for all three legislators is:

200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Thank you for your time, it really can make a difference for the students & teachers of Avon!