IPS, Noblesvile, Clark-Pleasant voters OK referendums
(WISH) — Indianapolis Public Schools said Tuesday night that voters have approved two referendums totaling $272 million over eight years.
The Noblesville and Clark-Pleasant school districts’ voters also approved referendums.
In IPS, the largest of its two referendums asked for a $220 million tax increase for operating expenses. The other was a $52 million capital improvement referendum; 80 percent would go toward security improvements. With both IPS referendums approved, the average homeowner, with a home valued at $75,000, would pay about $41 more a year.
IPS issued this statement Tuesday night:
“Indianapolis Public Schools is pleased to announce that both questions on the general election ballot passed. We are grateful to voters who supported this effort and will continue our drive to invest in teachers, make our schools safer and provide our students with an inspiring and rewarding education.”
In Noblesville, the Hamilton county district asked taxpayers for $50 million over eight years. Fifty-three percent would fund mental health and safety staff, equipment and initiatives. The remainder would be spent retaining and recruiting teachers. If the district gets its way and the referendum passes, it would cost around $345 a year more for the average homeowner with a home valued at $260,000.
Noblesville Schools Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer issued this statement Tuesday night:
“On behalf of all our employees, I want to enthusiastically thank the community for supporting the operating referendum for Noblesville Schools. The measure in favor of Noblesville Schools passed by a margin of 59%.
“This additional referendum funding will allow us to retain and recruit high-quality staff, enhance mental health services to students, and increase safety staff and equipment.
“We take the role of managing this funding seriously and are committed to making responsible financial decisions that are aligned with our interests of providing students the best education experience possible in safe and supportive environments.
“Thank you also to those who actively supported the Miller YES campaign. There were more than 60 community meetings hosted, over 8,000 campaign calls made, generous donations given, yard signs proudly displayed, a website developed, frequent social media activity and more. For all this, we owe a debt of gratitude to our political action committee leadership, volunteers and community supporters.
“We appreciate the community for entrusting us with their support and look forward to the work we have ahead of us educating the future of Noblesville.”
Clark-Pleasant Community School district in Whiteland in Johnson County asked for $12 million over eight years. All of the money would go toward security, resource officers and mental health professionals. Median homeowners with a home valued at $124,000 would pay an extra $42 dollars a year if the referendum passes.