You’re invited: Hear about the changes for schools this election and what they mean for students

A photograph of an adult signing in at polling location while high school students are working as election workers at a gym.
Big changes are coming for Indiana schools in the November election. Join us for a panel discussion on July 8 to learn more about what it could mean. (Amelia Pak-Harvey / Chalkbeat)

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School board elections won’t look the same in Indiana this year.

At the ballot box, voters could see new partisan labels for school board candidates. More voters than usual could be faced with a decision on whether they should approve a tax increase, known as a referendum, for their local schools. And before Election Day, candidates and school leaders also have decisions to make about their campaigns.

The outcomes in November could have a lasting effect on students and schools.

Join us on Wednesday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center for a panel discussion on these issues.

We’ll dive into the changes around school decision-makers and school funding to ask: What’s at stake for students and families across the state?

Moderated by Chalkbeat Indiana reporter Aleksandra Appleton, the panel includes:

  • David Roof, director of the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State University
  • Terry Spradlin, executive director of the Indiana School Boards Association
  • Ashley Thomas, member of both the Indianapolis Public Schools board and the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation.

The event is in partnership with the Indiana Historical Society and is free, but RSVP is encouraged. Get your ticket here.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The panel starts at 6:30 p.m. Food and childcare will be provided. Free parking is available in the Indiana Historical Society lot off of New York Street.

An event poster with four portraits in a grid next to a block of words on a colorful background.
(Caroline Bauman / Chalkbeat)

Update, July 1: This story was updated to clarify that parking will be free for panel attendees.

MJ Slaby oversees Chalkbeat Indiana’s coverage as bureau chief. Contact MJ at mslaby@chalkbeat.org.

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