FAQ
Who can participate in the May 6th referendum?
Only registered voters living within the boundaries of the school district may vote in the May 6th Special Election.
We recommend that residents use the following link to register to vote or verify their voter registration status.
<<Link: www.indianavoters.in.gov>>
What will the operating referendum cost property owners?
The operating referendum will cost property owners $0.19 per $100 of assessed property value (not market value).
For a home with an average assessed value of $200,000, this equates to an increase of $15.64 per month or $187.72 annually in school property taxes.
GET THE FACTS!
Residents can use the Property Tax Impact Calculator to determine their specific tax impact.
<<Link to calculator>>
What will happen if the community does NOT support the operating referendum?
If the May 6th Operating Referendum does not pass, Central Noble Community Schools (CNCS) will face serious challenges that could significantly impact students, families, and the broader community.
Potential Consequences:
- Significant Reductions in teachers, staff, educational programs, and transportation services.
- Potential School Closures, including Wolf Lake Elementary, or state-mandated consolidation with a neighboring district due to declining enrollment, inflation, and uncertain state funding.
- Drastically Increased Class Sizes resulting from the loss of teaching positions.
- Elimination of Transportation Services, leaving many families without reliable school access.
- Wider Community Impact, with potential effects on property values, local businesses, and the overall strength of the community.
The Impact of Indiana Senate Bill 1
If Indiana Senate Bill 1 becomes law, it will further intensify CNCS’s financial challenges, requiring major cuts and reallocations. This could lead to the elimination of busing and additional teaching positions, further increasing class sizes.
Understanding the Situation
This referendum is not about politics; it is about informing our community of the potential realities CNCS could face without adequate funding.
What will happen if the community supports the operating referendum?
If the community supports the operating referendum, the funds will be used to:
- Offer competitive wages: to retain our outstanding teachers and staff, preventing them from leaving for higher-paying districts.
- Maintain and expand academic programs: including FFA, Dual Credit, and AP courses—providing students with valuable learning opportunities and saving families money on future education costs.
- Enhance school safety: by reinstating and adding an additional School Resource Officer (SRO) to ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff.
The referendum will increase the School Property Tax Levy by $0.19 per $100 of assessed property value (not market value). Residents can use the tax impact calculator (Link) to determine their individual tax impact.
How will referendum funds be used?
CNSC’s Revenue Spending Plan outlines how referendum funds will be allocated to support students and enhance safety across all facilities.
Approved Allocations:
- Operating Costs (Utilities): $181,350
- Academic Programs (Expansion & Maintenance): $181,350
- Teacher & Staff Recruitment/Retention: $446,400
- Student Safety & Security Services: $279,000
- Curriculum & Educational Resources: $306,900
These funds will help sustain operations, retain quality staff, expand programs, and improve safety measures.