Central Indiana voters approve tax hikes for schools
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The referendum to support Indianapolis Public Schools and surrounding charter schools has passed.
Why it matters: The additional property tax dollars generated by the referendum will go a long way toward closing the district's budget deficit, meaning IPS has just $20 million to cut — rather than $60 million.
Driving the news: The increase approved by Center Township voters equates to approximately $8.71 a month over the current rate (for a $150,000 home).
- The $87.8 million generated for each of the next four years will be split among area charter schools and IPS, which will receive an estimated $43.9 million.
What they're saying: "These dollars go to the classroom, to keeping and recruiting excellent teachers, and to the special education services and extracurricular opportunities that give every student a complete education," said Karega Rausch, executive director of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, in a statement.
The big picture: More than three dozen school districts around the state are running referendums this year — a record number for a single election cycle.
- Districts are trying to offset funding losses caused by state policy changes, particularly the property tax law known as Senate Enrolled Act 1 that cut revenue for local governments.
- Four of the five referendums in Marion County passed — only Decatur Township's failed.
- And in Hamilton County, Sheridan was the only one of the five districts running a referendum to get voted down.
Zoom in: The Hamilton Southeastern Schools referendum passed with 58% support, according to unofficial election results.
- "This funding helps us keep experienced teachers in our classrooms and provide the services our students need," Superintendent Matt Kegley said in a statement.
- The measure replaces the operating referendum approved in 2023.