Student’s perspective on effects of Noblesville Schools referendum

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Dear Editor:

As a sophomore at Noblesville High School, a show choir lover, and a devoted student, I would love to share my view on the referendum and the huge impact it has on my school life.

In addition to being an engaged student, my passions have led me to contribute to Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and SERVE Village’s community initiatives. I have been fortunate to see our community from multiple perspectives from inside our schools and local government, as well as through neighborhood outreach.

From every angle, one reality is clear: the strength of Noblesville begins with the strength of its public schools.

I have heard many facts about the intimidating future of our schools if this referendum does not pass and under my biggest role – a student – I, along with many others, would receive a huge, negative impact. Without this referendum, the programs and mentorship that define our education face considerable reductions.

For example, performing arts and athletics would be forced to scale back. Although some may see extracurriculars outside the range of education and our schools, there are countless lessons that can simply not be taught in the classroom setting. Extracurricular activities have a certain way of fostering discipline, teamwork, pride, and promoting skills that are necessary in life as well as future careers. Because students have the choice of joining a group based on their interests, students are motivated to see success. Extracurricular activities spark a certain flame under students to learn and be engaged which is typically not found through classroom work. Without this referendum, it is clear that many of these lessons will be forgotten due to budget cuts.

Additionally, daily life as a student would look so different. Dr. Hile and others were able to create a list of programs, services, and staff that would be at risk if this referendum does not pass.

For example, an entire elementary school has the potential to close and students would be redistricted to rebalance classrooms. There would be a 25 percent increase in elementary class sizes, resulting in an average of 30 students in each class. This would make the learning environment very busy and restricting because there are only so many students a teacher can engage with at one time. Many of these students, along with future ones, may not learn the importance of asking questions and having true focus on their needs, so many could fall to the background as they get older.

Other examples include reducing or eliminating social workers and counselors who support suicide and bullying prevention, low-income students, and student metal health needs. This is a rather self-explanatory loss for Noblesville schools.

These are only a few things that are at great risk of being cut from our school system. Thinking though even one of these potential cuts shows just the impact of the referendum.

To see the full list of programs, services, and staff that are at great risk of being cut, along with factual information that is crucial to understanding the referendum, visit noblesvilleschools.org/referendum.

In the end, every voter has a voice and a choice and all I ask of Noblesville is to be educated before voting. Look into all the information out there about the referendum, talk to Dr. Hile, and even visit with students like me. Some of the voting information, including what is displayed on the ballot, can be very misleading, so research is key! There is so much out there to learn about the referendum. Thank you for supporting students like me.

Olivia Schmidt
Noblesville