When we begin conversations about school referendums, my primary responsibility as Superintendent is to keep students’ needs at the center and clearly explain how funding decisions affect their educational opportunities. For our district, the fundamental question is straightforward: Do we want to continue investing in the staff, services and programming that make Washington Township Schools a place where students from all walks of life can experience a well-rounded, comprehensive and high-quality education?
The operating referendum funds the people who serve our children every day - retaining approximately 300 vital positions or 1 out of every 6 positions, including classroom teachers, counselors, school resource officers, social workers, administrators, and support staff. It is about protecting the daily support system inside of our schools and classrooms. It is why we are seeing outstanding progress in nearly all metrics relative to student achievement.
However, when you look at Public Question #3 on the ballot, the language required by state law can obscure what is actually happening.
Why Public Question #3 on the ballot is Misleading
State law strictly dictates the phrasing required on local referendum ballots. This phrasing creates confusion in three major ways:
1. It implies a tax cut by voting 'NO': The ballot states that if not approved, property taxes would decrease by $351/year for a median home. However, our existing referendum does not expire until 2028, meaning a 'NO' vote brings no immediate reduction today.
2. It treats existing funding as a new tax: The state formula calculates the full tax amount as if it were a brand-new tax imposition rather than showing the net difference between what taxpayers currently pay today and what they will pay under the continuation, which is minimal in comparison to what the state formula calculates.
3. It displays legal maximum ceilings: The ballot text lists maximum legal rate limits ($0.2500) and gross annual levy figures ($24,000,000) rather than intended collection figures or net household costs.
Will my tax rate go up if Public Question #3 passes?
No. This measure adds $0.00 in new tax cents to your rate. It maintains the exact same rate (0.2500 per $100 AV) that voters approved in 2020.
Furthermore, due to ongoing state property tax relief mechanisms under Senate Enrolled Act 1 (such as supplemental homestead credits), some homeowners will actually experience a property tax reduction even while voting 'YES' to maintain this rate.
What the question really comes down to:
Do you support renewing this referendum at the same rate—with no additional tax cents added—to maintain the teachers, safety officers, and student support services already in our schools that are making a positive difference for our nearly 11,000 students?
Investing in the Whole Equation
Great schools support strong communities, maintain property values, and attract families to Washington Township. While the state-mandated ballot question calculates a theoretical formula, it cannot measure the return on investment of keeping class sizes manageable, retaining experienced educators, recruiting high-quality educators, and keeping our schools safe.
Our community deserves full clarity, not confusion. Before you vote, I encourage you to look closely at the facts, examine how our district uses these funds transparently, and evaluate the full equation for our township.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean Taylor
Superintendent of Schools
MSD of Washington Township
All community members are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Sean Taylor on October 20, 21, or 27 to learn more about the Washington Township Schools operating referendum renewal—Public Question #3 on the November 3 ballot. Hear the facts, ask questions, and learn what the renewal means for our schools and community.
Choose the school location that’s most convenient for you.
Westlane Middle School
Tuesday, October 20
6:30-7:30 PM
Media Center, enter through main entrance
Eastwood Middle school
Wednesday, October 21
6:30-7:30 PM
Cafetorium, enter through Door 9 on Southwest side of the building
In honor of our recent homecoming celebrations, take a moment to meet the Goodmans in this video below. Patty and Gary Goodman are both graduates of North Central High School, proud supporters of the school district, and business owners right here in our community. Hear them talk about their journey from students to business owners and the importance of strong schools in our community. #WeGrowPanthers
Flood Volunteer Reception
In late September, we had the opportunity to thank members of our school teams and community partners who stepped forward to assist those impacted by the recent historic flooding in our community. Many families are still rebuilding and will continue on that journey for some time. The District remains committed to partnering with and supporting our families for as long as they need assistance.
Thank you to our Washington Township staff, students, and community partners who continue to step up, serve others, and make a difference every day.
Little Mermaid Musical - TONIGHT, TOMORROW, & SUNDAY
From a literary classic to an Academy Award-winning film & Broadway musical, Ariel’s undersea journey is a story of discovery for all ages!
Journey "under the sea" with the Westlane cast in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture, based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories.
North Central Theatre presents this year’s fall musical, Once Upon a One More Time: High School Edition! The production brings together 45 cast members and 32 students working in crew, technical theatre, and the pit orchestra.
This year’s production will feature professionally designed costumes and wigs, a student lighting designer, and a large set with several moving elements. The musical will also participate in the Butler Arts Awards, giving students another exciting opportunity to showcase their work.
And the Panther family is growing! Four elementary students from across MSD Washington Township have been cast in the production—because We Grow Panthers!
Mark Your Calendar to Explore Our Secondary Schools
Families are invited to attend our Secondary School Open Houses on Sunday, November 1, from 2–5 p.m. Visit Westlane Middle School, Eastwood Middle School, Northview Middle School, or North Central High School to learn more about the opportunities available to students, meet educators and staff, and experience what makes our schools special. We look forward to welcoming current and prospective families!
Additionally, the Washington Township Online Academy (WTOA) will be on hand at North Central High School for families interested in learning more about our online options. We look forward to welcoming current and prospective families!
Non-Resident and In-District Limited Choice Applications Now Open for Middle and High School
Middle School In-District Limited Choice (IDLC) Applications
Is your current 5th, 6th, or 7th grader interested in attending a Washington Township middle school outside your assigned home boundary for the 2027–2028 school year? The In-District Limited Choice (IDLC) application window is opening soon.
Application Window: Monday, October 12, 2026 – Friday, November 20, 2026
Deadline Notice: This is a strict application window. Applications must be submitted within these dates to be considered for the 2027–2028 school year.
Elementary Families (Grades K–4): A separate IDLC application process for elementary students will open in Spring 2027.
Middle School Assignment: To check your assigned middle school enter your address here.
Nonresident Applications for Grades 6–12 (2027–2028)
Washington Township Schools are accepting nonresident applications for students in grades 6–12 for the 2027–2028 school year and for the second semester of 2026-2027 at North Central and the Washington Township Online Academy.
Key Details & Timeline
Application Window: Monday, October 12, 2026 – Friday, November 20, 2026
Strict Window: All online applications and required documentation must be submitted within these dates to be considered.
Elementary Families (Grades K–5): The nonresident application process for elementary grades will open in Spring 2027.
Help Us Spread the Word
Our current families are our best ambassadors! Please share this opportunity with friends, neighbors, or colleagues living outside district boundaries who may be interested in joining Washington Township Schools. Details, available seat counts by building/grade level, and application links can be found on the Nonresident Enrollment page of the district website.
Information For Current Nonresident Families
Most current nonresident students do not need to reapply for the 2027–2028 school year. However, reapplication is required when transitioning between school levels:
Elementary to Middle School
Middle School to High School
Please review the chart below to determine if any action is needed to secure your student's continued nonresident enrollment.
EXCEPTIONS TO ABOVE: If you are a current resident MSDWT family that has moved out-of-District this school year, you must apply for nonresident status for each student to continue as MSDWT students for the 2027-2028 school year.
PLEASE NOTE: BUS TRANSPORTATION IS NOT PROVIDED TO EITHER IDLC OR NONRESIDENT FAMILIES. PARENT/GUARDIAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIMELY DROP-OFF AND PICKUP OF STUDENTS.
October is Custodial Appreciation Month. We are extremely grateful for the hard work of our custodial teams district wide that clean and maintain our buildings. We appreciate all they do to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all students and staff.
Transportation Reminders
Each student is allowed only one permanent pick-up address in AM and one permanent drop-off address in PM. All pick-up and drop-off locations must be within school boundaries.
Students must use their own assigned bus stop.
Students may not get on or off the bus at an earlier or later bus stop.
Students may not cross major roads.
Students must be standing out on their bus stops at least ten (10) minutes prior to their scheduled pick up time.
If your student does not ride the bus for 10 consecutive days, they will be removed from the bus route. Parents must contact their student’s school to complete a 5-day transportation request to resume service.
Bus drivers will not permit students to ride buses to which they are not assigned.
Note: All requested permanent transportation changes, additions, and deletions must be submitted to your student’s school.
Requests take up to five (5) school days to process. Time is needed to process the many applications and changes that the Transportation Department receives. Parents are responsible for transporting students until the transportation request has been received and processed. If a request cannot be granted, you will be notified by your student’s school.
From Our Partners
Join us for BASH '26
Be part of the picture. Make your mark.
BASH is Washington Township Schools Foundation’s biggest fundraiser—and one of the best nights of the year! Join us for BASH’26: The Art of Community, an adults-only evening of entertainment, connection, inspiration and fun—all while raising funds for opportunities that elevate the educational experience for all Washington Township students. Be part of the picture. Make your mark. Get your tickets before prices increase tomorrow!
Calling All Future Panthers Grade 3-6
Join us on October 24th for a FREE Panther Youth Basketball Clinic! Come learn, compete, have fun, and connect with North Central Basketball!
