Referendum Fund
The Referendum Fund is approximately 15% of the overall Noblesville Schools budget and makes up 21% of operational funding for the district. This equals approximately $26 million annually.
The Noblesville community passed an operating referendum for Noblesville Schools in November 2018. Many of the things we are able to do for students have been made possible thanks to this referendum funding.
This fund is used for
- School safety initiatives
- Mental health supports for students
- Competitive salaries to attract and retain strong teachers
- Reduced class sizes
- Science, technology, engineering and math programming
- Student academic support
- College and career preparation
- Music education
- Arts
- Enrichment activities
These funds are not used for school buildings, athletic venues, new construction or other capital projects.
If approved by voters, the following funding source provides money for the Referendum Fund
- Property tax
What is a referendum?
A referendum is an optional school funding source that must be voted on and approved by the community. Public schools are now more dependent on referendum funds to maintain services for students because of changes in state funding allocations and property tax cap legislation, which reduced funding for schools. The Indiana legislature introduced the referendum funding model so communities can make ongoing school finance decisions at the local level.
Why does Noblesville Schools need a referendum?
When the state implemented property tax cap legislation, it significantly decreased funding for many schools. The state funding formula has also not kept pace with inflation, which makes it increasingly difficult to maintain programming year-over-year. Additionally, school districts that serve more affluent areas get less money per student from the state. Noblesville Schools must now rely on referendum funds to continue to provide outstanding academic programming, reduce class sizes, recruit and retain strong educators during a teacher shortage, provide safety staff and equipment, support students’ increasing mental health needs, and offer exceptional career and extracurricular opportunities.
What is the referendum rate?
The current operating referendum rate approved by our residents is 37 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed value.
Will Noblesville Schools have another referendum in the future?
The Indiana legislature introduced the referendum funding model so communities can make ongoing school finance decisions at the local level. This means Noblesville Schools must now rely on referendum funds to continue to provide outstanding academic programming, recruit and retain strong educators during a teacher shortage, provide safety staff and equipment, support students’ increasing mental health needs, and offer career and extracurricular opportunities. The current referendum expires in 2026. Expect to hear more from district leaders in 2026 once a decision is made about future funding needs.
2025 Actuals
