Editor,
To my Noblesville neighbors, I would like to share my thoughts on why the upcoming referendum is so important to me.
Before this year I was a stay-at-home mom, for the past five years to be exact. I sent my children to school, volunteered for teacher snacks, parties and field trips, but after the shooting (May 25), I decided I needed to do more.
My youngest started kindergarten, and I was given an opportunity to work as an instructional assistant in his elementary school. To say this has been an eye-opening experience is a total understatement. I watch in awe, every day, as these amazing teachers and all other support staff not only teach the standard curriculum, but also work with kids on social behavior, emotional behavior, how to be a teammate and, most of all, love these children.
What they are expected to do on a daily basis is incredible. They do it with a smile on their face and with their hearts in it 100 percent. As a mom, I just sent my kiddos to school and never really “peeked behind the curtain.” Now, I am there every day, too.
This (Nov. 6 ballot) referendum would provide a competitive salary these teachers absolutely deserve. It also would make it possible to allow for many other important safety and security measures to further protect our students.
I am proud to say I will vote yes in support of Noblesville Schools and hope you would consider that as well.
Melinda Swift
Noblesville
