Indianapolis educators are shifting focus from the recent school‑funding referendums to the next phase of budgeting and possible consolidation. Voters in three Marion County districts – Beech Grove, Indianapolis, and Washington and Wayne townships – approved their ballot questions, while Decatur Township on the city’s south side rejected its proposal by roughly seven points.
Referendum results and community response
In Indianapolis, the referendum passed with 63% support, allowing the district to request a tax increase that would nearly double the current rate paid by property owners. The measure was crafted by the state‑created Indianapolis Public Education Corp., which set a lower rate than the district originally sought and paired the increase with a promise of $20 million in budget reductions.
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson highlighted the need for additional resources for students with disabilities and English language learners – groups that historically cost more to educate. Those students represent one‑in‑five and one‑in‑three of the district’s enrollment, respectively. Johnson said, “We believe our state leaders can and should do better by these students, and we will work hard to make that case.”
Potential school closures and enrollment lottery
Johnson announced that IPS administrators will present recommendations for school closures later this month, with any action requiring board approval and potentially taking effect for the 2027‑28 school year. The superintendent did not name specific schools, but emphasized the importance of sharing information early so families can make informed enrollment decisions. The district’s enrollment lottery is set to launch within days.
The IPS school board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the John Morton‑Finney Center for Educational Services, with additional meetings slated for Nov. 10, 17 and 19.
Decatur Township’s budget shortfall
In Decatur Township, Superintendent Scott Collins expressed disappointment that the 2026 operating referendum failed, but pledged to respect the community’s decision. The district had asked for a referendum rate two cents lower than the current levy. With the vote rejected, officials plan to cut $8 million from the budget, aiming to identify staffing and programming reductions by 2028.
Collins wrote, “We remain committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency while working to limit the unavoidable impact on students, classrooms and educational services.” The board will convene at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at its central office on Kentucky Avenue to discuss the upcoming review.
Other township outcomes
Beech Grove and Washington Townships renewed their referendums at or near existing tax rates, meaning property owners should see minimal change in their bills. Beech Grove added two cents to a 55‑cent rate, passing with 59% support. Washington Township kept its 25‑cent rate, winning with nearly 67%.
Wayne Township, however, voted to return to a 70‑cent rate – the same level used before a 2015 referendum expired. The measure passed with just over 53% of the vote. District leaders anticipate homeowners may pay about $16 more per month in 2027, though they do not expect to collect the full rate immediately. Without the referendum, Wayne officials had planned $20 million in cuts, including potential program reductions and staff layoffs.
Looking ahead
Across Marion County, school leaders are already turning their attention to the Indiana Statehouse, seeking additional funding in the upcoming budget session. The recent property‑tax formula changes, which divert more money to charter schools and reduce a major revenue source for district operations, have intensified the push for state assistance.
As the district board meetings progress and the enrollment lottery opens, families are encouraged to stay engaged, review the proposed closure recommendations, and participate in the public budgeting process.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
