Voters across five Marion County school districts were asked to weigh in on education funding this fall.
The ballot questions — called a referendum — generally asked voters if they would support a specified tax rate to help fund public schools in their area.
Some Indy school districts sought a continuation of their current tax rate while others pursued increases to offset recent changes in how the state calculates property taxes.
School officials spent this fall making the case to Indy residents for why they should vote ‘yes’ on the November ballot question.
Referendum funds across Indy schools will broadly support teacher pay, school bus services and utility payments. Just like in our own household budgeting, school administrators across the city say they’ve felt the effects of prolonged inflation and rising utility costs.
The five Indianapolis school districts were among a record 38 Indiana school corporations to seek the voter-backed funding this fall.
Here’s a look at each of the Marion County referendums.
Beech Grove
Beech Grove sought to replace its existing tax referendum, passed in 2020.
The new referendum asked for a tax rate of 57 cents per every $100 of assessed value on a property. That’s up just 2 cents from Beech Grove’s existing 55-cent rate, meaning taxes would change very little, if at all, in 2027.
Beech Grove administrators estimated the new referendum would bring about $4.4 million a year to the district on Indy’s southeast side. Administrators shared plans to use this money for school bus transportation, facilities upkeep and school safety.
To see how your 2027 tax bill might change, visit the Beech Grove referendum website and scroll down to the Referendum Liability Calculator.
Decatur Township
Decatur Township administrators sought to “reduce and replace” the district’s 2019 referendum.
The new referendum asked for a tax rate of 26.9 cents per $100 of assessed value. That’s 2 cents less than the district’s existing 28.9-cent rate, meaning property taxes would change very little, if at all, in 2027.
Decatur Township administrators estimated the new referendum would bring about $9 million at most to the district each year. Administrators said they’ve planned to use this money for school bus transportation, school security and building maintenance.
Visit the Decatur Township referendum calculator to see how your 2027 tax bill might change.
Indianapolis
A new group called the Indianapolis Public Education Corp. sought a referendum on behalf of IPS and nearby charter schools.
This referendum would replace an existing IPS referendum at a higher rate. Voters approved a tax rate of 19.6 cents per $100 of assessed value in 2018. This new referendum would almost double the 2018 rate at 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Referendum money would be split between IPS and charter schools. IPS would receive about $46.4 million a year while about 60 participating charters would split about $48.5 million annually.
School officials anticipated the money would fund staff retention and training as well as academic programs, especially for English language learners and students with disabilities.
IPS administrators, however, have warned that even with a new referendum, more budget cuts are coming. Administrators say they need to cut at least $20 million to sustain changes in how property tax dollars are directed to schools.
Visit the IPS referendum website to see how your 2027 tax bill might change.
Washington Township
Washington Township administrators sought to “renew” the district’s current referendum, passed in 2020, at the same rate.
The 2026 referendum — at 25 cents per $100 of assessed value — was estimated to bring $24 million at most to the district each year. Because the rate would remain the same, school officials said property taxes would change very little for those living in Washington Township.
Meanwhile, district administrators said, a successful referendum would continue funding operating costs like staff salaries and school safety.
Visit the Washington Township tax bill website to see how your 2027 taxes might change.
Wayne Township
Wayne Township administrators sought to replace the district’s current referendum, passed in 2019, with a new, higher rate.
Wayne Township asked for 70 cents per $100 assessed value — double the district’s existing referendum rate. However, the 70-cent rate wouldn’t be new. Property owners paid a 70-cent rate several years ago before the expiration of an earlier referendum.
Wayne Township administrators told voters that changes in how the state calculates property taxes led them to return to the higher rate. However, administrators made clear that they’re only asking for the 70-cent rate as a maximum and that they’d consider collecting a lower tax rate in the coming years.
Officials estimated a successful referendum would bring up to $41 million a year to Wayne Township schools. Administrators told voters this would help cover teacher retention, school safety and other operational costs.
Visit the Wayne Township referendum website to see how your 2027 tax bill might change.
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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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