Things you may be thinking
NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS
For The Reporter
Editor’s Note: The following is the final part of a series written by Noblesville Schools administrators in an effort to explain their proposed 2018 referendum to voters and parents. This referendum will be on the ballot during the Nov. 6, 2018 election and, if passed, will affect Noblesville school district taxes. Each part of this series will be available on our website, ReadTheReporter.com, and on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/HamiltonCountyReporter, on the date of publication.
You may be thinking – This referendum is really about a new football stadium.
The safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority. Referendum dollars will not be used to pay for athletics facilities.
You may be thinking – Noblesville Schools would have plenty of money if they didn’t buy iPads for all their students.
The distribution of iPads has been completed without any additional taxpayer funding. In fact, the current technology strategy has actually generated cost savings by eliminating computer labs (that are now being used for additional classroom space without new construction), reducing spending on paper, printers and copying, and eliminating some costly print curriculum materials. Parents also contribute to the cost through textbook fees. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Education has provided the district with grant dollars to support eLearning initiatives.
You may be thinking – Schools in wealthy areas like ours have plenty.
The state provides less money per student for districts with fewer low-income students. This means schools in wealthy areas actually receive less state funding. The state did adjust its funding formula recently to provide additional funding, but it is still not at previous levels.
When the state decreased school funding and implemented property tax caps, funds for Noblesville Schools were significantly reduced. Since then, Noblesville Schools has lost tens of millions of dollars in funding. Under this funding model, many districts that serve more affluent areas like those found in Hamilton County now receive less funding per student than other districts. Voters must now specifically support referendum requests on an ongoing basis to provide their schools with needed funding.
You may be thinking – Schools should deal with budget shortfalls on their own, just like the business community has to.
It’s important for the district to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and tighten its belt when needed, just like everyone else. When Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer joined the district, she led a district-wide committee to cut $1.7 million in expenses. She has also spearheaded efforts to creatively gain efficiencies in staffing like combining administrator functions and sharing secretarial staff, as well as efficiencies in supply and resource management. As a district, Noblesville is also exploring ways to generate revenue.
However, unlike businesses, school districts have legal obligations for what must be funded, how it must be funded and how funds can be spent. Also, while districts can control expenditures to some extent, they can’t control revenue. This means they have much less flexibility than businesses to address financial challenges they face.
Also, when Noblesville Schools makes cuts to services it hurts children, and weakens Noblesville property values and economic development.
You may be thinking – Noblesville Schools would have plenty of money if it didn’t build such fancy school buildings.
Starting with new construction in 2008, the district has eliminated facility items that typically drive up expenses like grand entryways, terrazzo flooring, and special-order items. It has focused on low-maintenance/long-lasting options, durable finishes, and affordable mechanical/electrical/plumbing equipment that provide a solid return on investment. The district has also been able to avoid over a million dollars a year in energy costs through energy conservation efforts.
You may be thinking – Noblesville Schools would have plenty of money if it just cut back on compensation, especially for administrators.
The accomplished Noblesville Schools staff is at the heart of what makes the schools so successful. It’s critically important to pay a competitive salary so the district can ensure it’s able to recruit and retain the best talent for students and the community.
The district carefully compares administrator salaries to those of other area schools, and Noblesville administrator salaries are comparable.
Like other large, complex organizations, Noblesville Schools leaders require specialized professional skill sets to successfully address the significant “behind the scenes” responsibilities and challenges they manage. Like teachers, administrators serve students and the community at a lower compensation rate than what comparable private sector work would command.
Noblesville’s average teacher salaries are among the lowest in the area. In some cases, our teachers are making $10,000 less than equivalent teachers in neighboring districts. This situation needs to be addressed as we continue to lose teachers to surrounding school districts who can pay them more. Teacher salaries continue to decline nationally, while demands on teachers continue to increase.
You may be thinking – Where can I learn more?
Noblesville School superintendent Beth Niedermeyer will be hosting public information sessions as detailed below. Please plan to attend to learn more and get answers to questions you may have. All sessions will begin at 7 p.m.
- Aug. 13 at Ivy Tech Noblesville
- Aug. 16 at Forest Park Inn Noblesville
- Aug. 20 at Noblesville High School
- Aug. 23 at Noble Crossing Elementary
- Aug. 27 at Noblesville East Middle School
- Aug. 30 at Hinkle Creek Elementary
- Sept. 5 at North Elementary
- Sept. 6 at White River Elementary
- Sept. 11 at Noblesville West Middle School
- Sept. 12 at Hazel Dell Elementary
- Sept. 17 at Stony Creek Elementary
- Sept. 24 at Promise Road Elementary
- Sept. 25 at Ivy Tech Noblesville
- Oct. 1 at Forest Park Inn Noblesville
If you’d like to schedule an additional referendum meeting for your group or organization, please contact Karen Park at 317-773-3171.