Central Noble Schools has a long history of providing quality education to our students, but like many districts across Indiana, we are facing financial challenges. Over the years, changes in state funding, increased operating costs, and declining enrollment have created budget constraints that impact our ability to maintain educational programs, retain staff, and support essential services like transportation and school safety. Since the 2017-2018 school year, Central Noble Schools has lost more than $2.4 million in state funding due to the expansion of the voucher program, which reallocates public education dollars to private schools. Additionally, funding for public schools has not kept pace with inflation, meaning the cost of maintaining our schools continues to rise while resources remain limited.

To address these challenges, Central Noble Schools is pursuing an operating referendum. If approved, the referendum will provide funding to support teacher retention and recruitment, maintain academic programs, cover increased utility costs, and enhance student safety and security. The referendum would increase the school property tax levy by $0.19 per $100 of assessed value (not market value), resulting in an estimated increase of $15.64 per month ($187.72 annually) for a home with an assessed value of $200,000. The funds generated by the referendum will help ensure that our schools remain well-staffed, safe, and equipped to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.

Without additional funding, the district may face difficult decisions, including reductions in staff, educational programs, and transportation services. Declining enrollment, inflation, and uncertainty in state funding could also lead to school closures or consolidation with neighboring districts. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information so that residents can make an informed decision. To understand the specific impact of the referendum on your household, we encourage you to use the Property Tax Impact Calculator, developed by a third-party financial advising firm. Additional information about the referendum, including financial projections and spending plans, can be found on our district website.

Why is CNSC pursuing an operating referendum?

Central Noble Schools provides our students with great educational opportunities for decades, but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to the increased costs associated with staff, educational resources, and busing, and the decrease in necessary funding.

There are a number of reasons why it is a challenge to generate the funds needed to continue serving our students, paying our teachers and staff competitive wages, and pursuing necessary upgrades to our facilities and enhancing safety and security in all our buildings.

1. Decrease in State funding: Politicians in Indianapolis have set in place a number of hurdles for rural school districts like ours to raise the funds needed for the operations of our schools.
2. Funding is not keeping up with inflation: Over the past six years, state and federal funding for everything from salaries to educational resources has not kept up with inflation. 

   Operations Property Tax Revenue per Student vs. Inflationary Index:

   Prices went up by 2.9% each year between 2010 and 2023, but the money our schools got for each student only went up by 1.5% each year. This means our schools have less money to pay for things like buses, electricity, building projects, and repairs.

   
3. CNSC’s leadership decision to pursue an operating referendum instead of using a General Obligation (GO) Bond will save taxpayers money.
4. Enrollment decline: Simply put, the population of families with school-aged children within the district is decreasing.
   
   Over the past two decades, student enrollment at Central Noble Schools has shown fluctuations, with a noticeable decline in recent years, particularly after 2019-2020. While some years experienced growth, the overall trend suggests a gradual decrease in student numbers. Year-over-year analysis highlights both increases and declines, with some sharper drops potentially influenced by demographic shifts, policy changes, or external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, enrollment has continued to decline or remain stagnant, underscoring the importance of strategic efforts to attract and retain students in the district 
   
5. The cost of everything has increased: Like you, the cost of everything from food and fuel to insurance and roofing repairs has increased.
   
   Our electric bill has increased.
   AEP has proposed a 20%-25% rate increase for 2025.
   
   
   The cost of materials necessary for the upkeep of our facilities have increased.
   
   

   Construction Item	2019	2023	% Increase
   Masonry	$18.00/Sq. Ft.	$36.00/Sq. Ft.	100%
   Roofing	$14.50/Sq. Ft.	$24.50/Sq. Ft.	69%
   Plumbing	$50.00/Sq. Ft.	$80.00/Sq. Ft.	60%
   Electrical	$30.00/Sq. Ft.	$50.00/Sq. Ft.	67%

   
   
   The cost of providing our students nutritious meals and snacks have increased.
   
   
   Our current budget doesn’t allow us to pay our teachers and support staff competitive wages.