FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Southwest Allen County Schools board will be voting tonight on the final draft of a $3.5-million staffing referendum.

Superintendent Phil Downs says public school funding in the US is extremely complex and basically hasn't been doing enough. The board says the referendum, which is pitched as a renewal of a 2009 measure, is needed to continue staffing for nearly 52 positions… half of which will cover elementary school teachers, with the rest going to middle and high school teachers, guidance counselors, and the school resource officer. 

There's no expected increase to property taxes; if the board approves it tonight, voters will have the final say on May 3rd.