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WHY VOTE YES?
Protect what makes Carmel schools exceptional.
Carmel Clay Schools are among the best in Indiana. Voting Yes continues our community's investment in the teachers, manageable class sizes, academic opportunities, and safe schools that help Carmel students succeed.
Our community has worked hard to build exceptional schools, and this referendum ensures we keep them strong. It protects our existing programs and staff against state revenue reductions that threaten our local funding.
WHAT DOES YOUR YES VOTE PROTECT?
Strong programs and opportunities
Recruiting and retaining quality staff
Individual attention and support
School Resource Officers and student well-being
Property values and a thriving community
#1
ILEARN, ELA, & MATH IN INDIANA
2,300+ students enrolled in dual-credit courses, 35 career pathways, K–8 STEM instruction, and 81% of CHS students taking at least one Polytechnic course.
TOP 2%
IN THE
NATION
95.5%
IREAD PASS RATE
49
DUAL CREDIT COURSES
Carmel Clay Schools are recognized among Indiana's top-performing school districts, with outstanding achievement in academics, college preparation, career pathways, STEM, the arts and athletics. A Yes vote helps protect the programs, opportunities, and people behind that success.
PROTECT TEACHERS. PROTECT CLASS SIZES.
Great schools begin in the classroom.
The referendum helps Carmel Clay Schools retain outstanding teachers and staff while keeping class sizes manageable — so students receive the attention, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
1,100
CERTIFIED STAFF
CCS serves roughly 16,000 students and employs approximately 2,400 people, including 1,100 certified staff.
SAFE SCHOOLS. SUPPORTED STUDENTS.
Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Referendum funding supports School Resource Officers and student safety and well-being — helping schools respond quickly in emergencies while providing the trained staff and support students need every day.
STRONG SCHOOLS STRENGTHEN CARMEL
Great schools benefit the entire community.
Strong Carmel Clay Schools serve about 95% of local students and play a huge role in the city's success. High-performing schools help protect home values, attract new businesses, and boost the local economy. A strong school district improves the quality of life for everyone in Carmel.
This impact was recently recognized when Carmel Clay Schools won the 2026 Honors Award from the OneZone Chamber of Commerce. The award celebrates over 30 years of partnership and highlights the district's work in training future leaders. By working alongside local businesses, the schools keep Carmel a great place to live and work.
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The district itself describes strong schools as a primary economic driver for Carmel and notes that CCS serves about 95% of school-aged children in the community.
WHY IS A REFERENDUM NEEDED NOW?
State law changed the equation.
Recent changes to Indiana property tax law reduce the tax base and local revenue for Carmel Clay Schools. At the same time, costs for teachers, transportation, safety, facilities, and student services continue to rise.
Without updated referendum funding, maintaining the programs and services that Carmel families and residents expect becomes increasingly difficult.
Recent changes to Indiana property-tax law reduce the tax base and local revenue available to Carmel Clay Schools.
At the same time, costs for teachers, transportation, safety, facilities and student services continue. Without updated referendum funding, maintaining the programs and services Carmel families and residents expect becomes increasingly difficult.
CONTINUE CARMEL'S INVESTMENT
2010
Operating referendum Approved
2017
Renewed
Raised from .16 to .19
2019
School Safety Referendum Approved
2023
2026
Operating Referendum
Renewed
Vote Yes to continue Carmel's investment
DONATE
Your contribution supports the independent Friends of Carmel Schools campaign, including this website, yard signs, printed materials, digital communication, and voter outreach. Campaign expenses are paid for with private contributions, not school district funds.