Noblesville Deputy Mayor
The general election coming Tuesday, Nov. 6 is an opportunity for Noblesville residents to have a voice in their community on the issue of school funding. The Noblesville Schools referendum impacts every one of us whether we have children in school or not.
As deputy mayor, I can give you countless reasons why Noblesville Schools are important for the economic wellbeing of our city. New business attraction, property values, workforce development and quality of life are all tied to the strength of our schools. But I would like to share additional reasons why I will be voting YES on Nov. 6 – both as a city leader and as a parent.
Teacher and Staff Salaries
It should be no surprise to anyone with children who attend Noblesville Schools that our teachers are being recruited away by neighboring districts. Some of our teachers have moved on to earn as much as $10,000 more in salary working for districts that had recently approved much higher referendums than Noblesville Schools had requested in previous years.
Over the years, our school administrators and principals have hired the best and brightest teachers – when the playing field was level and they could offer competitive salaries. Noblesville Schools also has been successful developing teachers and staff to become the best and brightest. Year after year, they are winning awards and earning recognition throughout the state and across the country for their contribution to professional education. And we see the results of their hard work in the achievements of our youth as they graduate and move on from high school to become their own best and brightest in college and in their careers.
It’s no wonder why our teachers are highly sought after. But our competitive advantage won’t last without continued investment in our teachers and staff.
School Safety
The shooting at Noblesville West Middle School on May 25 was a wake-up call for many. Even in a close-knit community like ours, times have changed. The planning, training and responsiveness of teachers and staff saved countless lives. And the City’s contribution to the funding and training of school resource officers also was proven effective.
But we are all collectively responsible for keeping our kids safe in school. Even as citizens we can and should do more. By voting YES on the referendum, Noblesville Schools can fund more security staff and surveillance tools to detect and warn of dangers as well as prevent access by would-be assailants to school buildings and classrooms.
And while no security system is a perfect solution, that doesn’t mean we sit back and hope for the best. Improvements can always be made. Auto manufacturers didn’t stop installing seat belts because they fail to prevent every car accident injury or fatality. Nevertheless, I believe this additional funding will create an even safer environment in which our children can learn and grow.
Mental Health
There is another preventive measure that could be the most effective measure of all in stopping a would-be attacker. And that’s by increasing our mental health resources in Noblesville Schools.
Let’s face it – even before the shooting, our kids have been dealing with far more complex issues than we adults had to face when we were that age – including major anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and other issues that require a professional to get involved before it’s too late.
Unfortunately, our schools are understaffed when it comes to mental health. Educators recommend a ratio of one counselor for every 250 students. And yet in Noblesville, some schools have a ratio of one counselor to 800 students. We can and should do more to reach our youth who maybe don’t have a stable support network at home or who won’t seek help on their own.
It’s going to take more funding for mental health staff and the initiatives that are necessary today – more screenings for suicide, anger and trauma; more social workers; more teachers for English language learners; a district-wide mental health coordinator and a mentoring program.
For all of these reasons, I am willing to pay my share to ensure Noblesville Schools remain strong, giving them the ability to pay competitive salaries to top-quality teachers and staff, fund the security staff and initiatives that will further enhance our school safety and increase the mental health resources to proactively help our troubled youth no matter how complex the problem.
Please join me in sharing this responsibility and vote YES on the Noblesville Schools referendum.
Thanks Steve Cooke! 100% agree!
Can someone answer why the 2016 referendum was so grossly wrong on the costs. I have no objection to the reasons and recommendations of the intended use of the 2018 referdum but how is it double that of the 2016?
I went to a couple meetings in 2016 to understand the cost and process. I recall being assured that the 18.7 was reduced from 23.x and would be sufficient for several years. Yet here 2 years later we need to nearly double? For a majority of residence this is only $100 more a year in local taxes. I also recall that it cost a lot of money to have a referendum on the ballet. I have trust issues here and questions what is the time period this 2018 value will be sufficient. 3 years? 5 years? Long enough for us to forget and justify another increase? My limited knowledge of government shows me that they will spend a entire budget and then dream up new and more costly initiatives. I will be extremely upset when in the next 2 year the schools announce they have money for new sports venues or building funded through an increase in local tax separate from the referendum.
Ultimately I will vote yes because I believe it is better than not passing and losing all funding. But I truly question the continued increased spending when past requests we do misjudged.
Hi, Colin:
The new referendum would replace the existing one and would provide funding through 2026.
In 2016, Noblesville voters approved an extension of the district’s operating referendum at a reduced tax rate to maintain the status quo of programs, staff and services. Specifically, 2016 referendum dollars are being spent to maintain 150 staff positions and programming in art, music, physical education, STEM, media services and more. Funds are also being used to cover some transportation expenses. The district reduced the tax rate in an effort to be as frugal with taxpayer’s dollars as possible.
Since then, additional school safety, mental health services and staff compensation needs have been identified. Until 2017, Noblesville teacher salaries were comparable to other area districts.