Hamilton Southeastern Schools will be one of five Hamilton County districts asking voters to approve an operating referendum Nov. 3, part of a record-setting year for school ballot measures across Indiana, according to reporting by Jake Allen and Marissa Meador of the IndyStar.

Statewide, 37 districts are putting operating referendums before voters — three times as many as any other election in the past decade. School officials told the Star the surge traces largely to Senate Enrolled Act 1, the 2025 property tax overhaul, along with a legislative change limiting which ballots referendums can appear on.

The HSE ask

Unlike Noblesville, whose referendum expires at the end of 2026, HSE is asking voters to replace its existing referendum with one carrying a higher maximum rate. Superintendent Matt Kegley told the IndyStar the district would have been content to continue at the rate voters approved in 2023 if not for SEA 1.

“It’s important to point out that we wouldn’t be having this conversation today if not for the impacts of Senate Enrolled Act 1 on our budget,” Kegley said.

The district estimates SEA 1 will cost it roughly $45 million less than planned over the final six years of the current referendum. HSE projects the median homeowner in the district would see about a $3 per month increase on their 2027 tax bill if the measure passes.

HSE has already made cuts, eliminating nearly 60 positions earlier this year amid declining elementary enrollment. Kegley said the district worked to protect programs through that round, but without new referendum dollars it would have to reevaluate which programs continue, potentially cut more staff, and would find it harder to offer raises that retain teachers. The money would also support school safety measures and student behavioral health services, including therapists in buildings.

Supporters have organized as Advance HSE, a political action committee that drew about 50 people to a July meeting and plans to campaign at football games, the Geist Half Marathon and other community events. “The opportunities our kids get are world class,” chair Laura Cole told the Star. “I want to make sure that we protect that.”

The countywide picture

Neighboring districts face similar math. Noblesville’s expiring referendum generates about $25 million a year; the district says a $350,000 home would pay about $2.30 more per month than under the current rate. Westfield Washington and Carmel Clay are also on the ballot, with Carmel seeking a rate nearly double its current one after folding its expiring safety referendum into a single question.

Opposition is organizing too. Americans for Prosperity’s Indiana chapter, which helped defeat a Northwest Allen County referendum last year, plans to engage in Central Indiana races, and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith — a Hamilton County resident — has publicly criticized the measures.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

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