Statehouse policy and politics
The new group, created by state lawmakers, will issue recommendations later this year on how charter schools and IPS can share transportation and facility resources.
Indiana lawmakers did not pass legislation on mental health and school counselors this year. But schools are proceeding with the programs and looking for outside funding sources.
Schools received a modest increase in the state budget. But Marion County education leaders are still trying to figure out what sweeping changes to local property taxes will mean.
Indiana set a goal to have 60% of high school seniors complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA by April 15 every year. This year, the state reached 55%.
As lawmakers passed big changes to taxes, the quarrels featured everything from allegations of stolen goat’s milk to anonymous texts.
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance includes former mayor Bart Peterson, City-County Councilor Maggie Lewis, and IPS teacher Tina Ahlgren.
Laws going into effect in July prohibit certain ideas about race and identity in schools. They also require schools to post sex ed material.
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson said that while she’s deeply concerned about the changes brought by a new property tax law, the district will strive to engage the community.
Funding for schools increases around 2% each year, with additional dollars in 2026 earmarked for an expansion of the school voucher program.
In addition to striking down the elective course requirement, Indiana lawmakers passed bills related to math instruction, sex ed, and partisan affiliations in school board races.
The bill allows school board candidates to choose a party affiliation or remain independent or nonpartisan in general elections. Indiana lawmakers had previously tried but failed to pass such legislation.
Lawmakers need to pass a budget and bills affecting property taxes and education before the end of the legislative session in April.
The legislation sparking a teacher rally at the statehouse would cut school district revenue by an estimated $744 million over the next three years.
A proposed property tax relief bill would also require school districts to share operating property tax revenue with charter schools, amounting to a roughly $744 million cut for districts statewide over the next three years.
The Senate’s budget proposal comes as lawmakers advance property tax reforms that could cut funding for many school districts.
State officials are collecting signatures from schools and districts to ensure they’re following a directive from the U.S. Department of Education.
Indiana school districts would share property taxes with charter schools and only hold referendums during general elections under newest property tax plan.
For years, state lawmakers have debated proposals to give candidates the option of choosing a political affiliation.
The author of the proposal said the requirements are a burden for teachers. Lawmakers also attempted to clarify language on when schools can charge fees for materials.
The proposal would establish an advisory group to draw up recommendations for sharing education resources. IPS has expressed concerns about the idea, but pro-charter school groups have backed it.