Hartig responds to Denise Dye’s letter

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Dear Editor:

I wanted to respond in detail to Denise Dye for Noblesville School Board’s Letter to the Editor, and respectfully disagree with her position about how “a no vote is not a vote against our children.”

I think we all should agree with her points that Noblesville taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and responsible financial stewardship. Our families are struggling with rising costs on almost everything, and concerns about another tax increase are understandable. National economic policies and decisions from the Statehouse have added to the financial pressures we feel. We should never dismiss those concerns. However, let’s also discuss what happens if the Noblesville referendum fails.

The school district has shared that approximately $25 million in annual funding, or 20 percent of the operating budget, will expire at the end of 2026 without continuation of the referendum. These negative consequences are significant from a potential 20 percent cut. It is estimated that 145 teachers and 45 instructional assistants, plus a closure of an elementary school, likely would happen. Larger class sizes (of about 30 students) for elementary schools with less resources will impact our children.

The district has also identified potential reductions to the award-winning STEM program, career development, special education support, art and music, athletics, school counselors, mental health services, school resource officers, and bus transportation. These are not minor budgeting adjustments. They are programs, people, and resources that directly affect our children every day.

Denise’s letter argues that a “no” vote is not a rejection of our children or our teachers. I am sure that is not the intention of every voter who opposes the Noblesville Schools referendum. The vote still has consequences. If 20 percent funding disappears and these difficult reductions become a reality, then our students will feel the impact no matter how voters felt about their intentions.

Yes, we should examine spending and taxpayers deserve transparency. Our school district must continue to demonstrate that every dollar is being used responsibly. The district has reported millions in cost reductions and staffing adjustments. Those savings cannot account for the approximately $25 million a year at risk.

Demanding accountability is reasonable. Understanding why legislation and budget funding has added strains to public schools is essential. It is not gross mismanagement that 38 Indiana school systems are requesting referendums. Suggesting that additional reviews alone can replace that funding, without identifying a realistic alternative to preserve the programs and educational resources our families expect, is not a viable option for our children.

Nobody wants school referendums. Indiana’s school funding legislation, property tax changes, and increased operating costs have made it challenging for school districts to maintain the quality of educational programs we expect. The Noblesville referendum is an investment in Noblesville’s future.

Our Noblesville officials have shown the data of how strong public schools help attract families and businesses, support our local workforce, and contribute to the long-term growth of Noblesville. Programs in engineering, robotics, health care, manufacturing, and other fields help prepare students for real opportunities. Counselors provide support with challenges for youth that we never had to navigate as children to influence learning. Our teachers need normal class sizes to give students a better opportunity to individually learn.

Taxpayers should carefully review the cost of the proposed referendum and use the district’s published tax calculator to understand its potential impact on their own property. The district estimates for a home valued at $350,000, the proposal would average approximately $1.88 more per month than what residents currently pay. That estimate should be considered strongly with the potential consequences of losing the 20 percent funding.

This overall return on investment is why I believe a yes or no vote is a consequential choice for the future of Noblesville and our children.

Chris Hartig
Noblesville Democratic Chair, Precinct 9