Statehouse policy and politics

IPS will make millions in cuts even if voters approve the ballot item. That’s led to criticism from some in the education community.

The all-time high stems from a property tax reform passed in 2025 that’s estimated to cost school districts millions of dollars. State lawmakers also restricted when districts could put a question on the ballot.

Here’s what Chalkbeat’s expert panelists had to say at an Indianapolis event July 8.

Join us for a panel discussion on July 8 where we’ll dive into the changes for schools in the November election and what they could mean for schools and students.

Here’s how students could use the courses to earn advanced diplomas.

The $200 million one-time funding boost approved by a state committee will take some kids off the waitlist, but won’t eliminate it.

The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation will take over key aspects of schools in the city. It meets for the first time in mid-April.

Lawmakers made changes in 2025 to school board elections and referendums. But this is the first year voters will notice the differences.

The Classic Learning Test’s new role could reshape college admissions and school ratings, although there are questions about its validity.

State lawmakers cut funding for the program that mails free books to children, and First Lady Maureen Braun took over fundraising for it. Nearly a year later, the program has expanded access.

Test scores, attendance, and diploma attainment will all factor in. A new addition will give students points for their scores on the Classic Learning Test.

Bills reshuffling Indianapolis schools, requiring a bell-to-bell school cellphone ban, and implementing lessons about waiting until marriage to have children are going to the governor’s desk.

The bill says students would either have to leave their devices at home or power them off and store them.

The appointed board would assume authority over Indianapolis school transportation, certain aspects of accountability, and buildings.

Indiana legislators are advancing a bill banning cellphones from schools as session comes to a close.

Lawmakers rejected amendments that would have exempted school districts and school resource officers, leaving uncertainty about how the measure may apply to K-12 schools.

Under federal law, degrees must raise graduates’ earnings above those of a typical high school graduate.

At Central 9, students train for careers in veterinary science, firefighting, early education, and more as Indiana expands focus on workforce training in high school.

The parents of slain Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee spoke in support of a social media restriction for children and teens.

Key themes this year have included students’ technology use.