Value of Noblesville Schools’ music programs go beyond the students

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Dear Editor:

As parents and supporters of students involved in music and the performing arts at Noblesville High School, we believe it is important for our community to understand what is at stake as Noblesville voters consider the school operating referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot.

We are writing together as the Noblesville Band Boosters and the NHS Choir Parent Organization because we see every day what Noblesville Schools provides to its students – not just in the classroom, but through the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that help students become confident, capable, and connected members of our community.

According to Noblesville Schools, the current operating referendum provides approximately $25 million annually and represents about 20 percent of the district’s operating funding. Those dollars support a broad range of programs and services, including teacher recruitment and retention, school safety, mental-health support, academic programming, appropriate class sizes, music education, arts, and enrichment opportunities.

For families involved in choir, band, and the performing arts, one point deserves particular attention: the district has identified band, choir, orchestra, music, theatre and other performing-arts programs and services among the areas that could be reduced or eliminated if referendum funding is not continued.

That possibility is about much more than an extracurricular activity.

Our music programs teach students how to work together toward a common goal. They develop discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and leadership. They give students a place where they belong, a community they can count on and an opportunity to discover abilities they may not have known they possessed.

We also know that the value of these programs extends well beyond the students who participate. Noblesville’s bands and choirs bring families together, enrich community events and represent our schools across Indiana, throughout our nation and internationally. They are a vital part of our community’s identity and culture, making support for these programs an investment in both our students and our community.

At the same time, this referendum is about considerably more than music. Noblesville Schools has stated that without continued referendum funding, the district would face significant reductions in staff, programs, and services. The district’s recently released scenarios include potential reductions to academic and elective programs, student support services, transportation, staffing and performing arts, along with larger class sizes and the possibility of closing an elementary school.

We recognize that any discussion involving property taxes deserves thoughtful consideration. We encourage every Noblesville resident to look beyond the numbers on the ballot and learn what the referendum means for our schools and our community – including the programs their children may rely on today and the opportunities future students may have tomorrow.

As two organizations made up largely of parents who have watched our students grow through Noblesville’s music programs, we know firsthand that a strong school system is about more than test scores or buildings. It is about creating opportunities for young people to discover who they are and what they can accomplish.

Whatever your perspective on the referendum, we hope you will take the time to become informed, ask questions, and consider the full impact of the decision facing our community.

Emily Alexander
President, Noblesville Band Boosters

Stephen Hunt
President, NHS Choir Parent Organization