New governing body weighs referendum for IPS and charter schools
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Third grade teacher Monica Shellhamer addresses the IPEC board during a listening session last week. Photo: Arika Herron/Axios
More changes are coming to Indianapolis Public Schools, but what they'll be is largely outside the hands of district leaders.
Why it matters: The Indianapolis Public Education Corp. is weighing a property tax increase to support IPS and the charter schools within its boundaries, a decision that could prove costly — either for the district or the homeowners who live within it.
Driving the news: The corporation is hosting a final listening session about that prospective tax increase Wednesday, ahead of a vote expected later this month.
- The group, created earlier this year by the Indiana General Assembly to oversee buildings, transportation and enrollment of IPS and the charter schools in its boundaries, is expected to put a property tax referendum on the November ballot.
- Presentations to the public consider everything from no operating referendum up to 55 cents per $100 of assessed value — a rate more than double the current one.
- That top rate would increase the property tax bill for a home valued at $200,000 by approximately $25 per month.
Between the lines: Voters approved a nearly 20-cent referendum for IPS in 2018 that's set to expire this year.
- It currently generates about $49 million annually for IPS, though that will change in the coming years as new state laws cut property taxes and require sharing with charter schools educating students within the district's boundaries.
Follow the money: IPS' current operating budget is about $650 million annually, with a $40 million deficit.
- Without a new referendum, the district would need to cut $90 million from its spending by the 2027-28 school year.
- Renewing the current rate would mean IPS would receive $24.5 million, about half of what it gets from the referendum today, with the same amount going to area charter schools.
- A rate of 45 cents would net both IPS and charter schools $53.5 million annually in additional revenue.
What they're saying: "We have to make up that gap," said Monica Shellhamer, a third grade teacher in IPS and a vice president for the Indianapolis Education Association. "We need to do what's best for our kids. We know the services we need to put in place for them, and we need to be able to say that we can do it."
- Everything from staffing cuts to school closures are on the table, depending largely on what — if any — referendum voters pass in November.
- The district has been trying to stabilize schools and programs after several recent periods of upheaval.
What's next: Wednesday's listening session at Monarca Academy at Northwest Middle School from noon-2pm, 5525 W. 34th St.