Hundreds of parents, students and teachers hit the streets of Avon Monday in support of a proposed increase in taxes. No, that’s not a typo. The Coalition of Citizens for Avon supports a 6.9 percent increase in town spending for education, which would ultimately raise taxes.
“What we have here is a classic conflict between the two things that make Avon great: great schools and low property taxes. The problem is that those taxes fund the schools,” Scott Bernard, co-chair of the Coalition of Citizens for Avon, said.
The group marched from Avon Middle School to the high school on Monday, waving signs and flags. The superintendent said that proposed hike is needed to maintain the standard school programs at their current level.
“We moved here from Philadelphia and came to Avon because they have a reputation for great schools,” Cheryl Edwards, of Avon, said.
The pro-spending marchers were greeted at the high school by members of a rival group called the Avon Taxpayers Association.
ATA advocates fiscal responsibility and calls it irresponsible to request such a large hike in tough economic times.
“We’re not against education. I have two children who graduated from Avon schools. That’s not the point. This is not personal, it’s fiscal. We want Avon to be affordable for all residents,” Florence Stahl, president of the ATA, said.
The Board of Finance will decide whether to adopt or amend the Board of Education’s proposed hike on April 7. The budget will then head to a May referendum for the residents of Avon to vote on.
