You can learn more about a tax referendum to support public schools in Indianapolis at a series of upcoming meetings.
Indianapolis Public Schools, along with charter schools within the IPS boundary, are asking voters to consider an increased property tax this fall.
Without it, IPS could soon go without millions of dollars supporting teacher pay and student programs.
Why do Indy schools want a tax increase?
Residents living within the IPS boundary will see the referendum question on their ballot during the November midterm election.
Property owners currently pay an operating referendum tax rate of 19.6 cents per $100 of assessed property value.
That rate is due to expire in December, so leaders of the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation came together this spring to discuss a new rate.
The corporation was created by lawmakers earlier this year to oversee school buildings and transportation for IPS and charter schools in the district boundary.
Lawmakers also gave the corporation the authority to seek a tax referendum on behalf of public schools serving students who live within the IPS boundary.
This is the first time the corporation has sought a referendum. It’s also the first time IPS and charter schools are campaigning for a referendum together.
How much are Indy schools seeking?
Though IPS advocated for a higher rate, the corporation decided to pursue a rate of 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. This rate, if passed, would be collected for the next four years.
Education officials estimate about half of the referendum funds would go to IPS, directing about $46.4 million annually to district schools. Meanwhile, 60 charter schools would split the remaining $48.5 million collected each year.
You can see how much money each participating charter school is expected to receive should the referendum pass in the corporation’s spending plan.
The referendum effort comes as IPS stares down a looming financial deficit. Administrators have already cut about $24 million from the district’s annual budget.
IPS officials have said they believe the proposed referendum rate is enough to ward off state intervention, but not to avoid further deep cuts.
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Learn about the Indy referendum at these meetings
The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation may determine the amount of money sought by the referendum, but residents ultimately get to vote on whether they support the tax rate.
Education officials estimate the average homeowner with a property valued at $150,000 will pay about $115 more a year on their taxes should the referendum pass.
You can calculate how much your property tax bill could change using IPS’ referendum calculator.
You can also learn more about the referendum at one of three upcoming meetings:
- 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at William Penn Middle School, 1720 W. Wilkins St.
- 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Eliza Blaker School 55, 1349 E. 54th St.
- 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the John Morton-Finney Center, 120 E. Walnut St.
In the meetings, IPS school board members will discuss how the tax referendum will affect education and explain why public schools are sharing referendum dollars.
The election will be Nov. 3. Early voting will open Oct. 6. Go to indianavoters.in.gov to check your voting registration. For more information about the referendum, visit the IPS website.
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Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.
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