Referendum is top priority for new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation
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The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, the new group managing schools in Center Township, says a property tax referendum is its first priority.
Why it matters: The current referendum funding teachers' salaries and special education services for Indianapolis Public Schools expires at the end of the year. A renewal needs to be on the November ballot to avoid a funding gap.
Driving the news: IPEC met for the first time this week, setting rules for how it will operate and outlining next steps — including the referendum.
- The mayor will hire an executive director to guide the board's work.
- IPEC will take 3% of the property tax revenue that would otherwise go to IPS and charter schools.
What they're saying: Crafting the referendum request is the most pressing item on the board's agenda, said David Harris, the corporation's chair.
- The board will need to decide the size and length of the property tax increase request, which would be put to voters in November.
Catch up quick: IPEC was created by the Indiana General Assembly to centralize and manage key functions of schools within the Indianapolis Public Schools boundary, both district and charter schools.
- The corporation will manage finances, enrollment, transportation and buildings.
Between the lines: The creation of the new body was contentious, furthering the existing divide between advocates for traditional public schools (like IPS) and charter schools.
- With Harris at the helm, having previously cofounded an influential nonprofit to help launch charter schools, and three additional charter leaders on the board, the balance of power is weighted more toward charters than IPS.
- Three IPS board members are on IPEC.
What's next: Mayor Joe Hogsett will select an executive director to be voted on by IPEC, aiming to have that person in place by the end of next month.
- An accountability framework, to be used when considering school closures, is due to the legislature by August.
- IPEC's next meeting will be on May 28.