Indy voters approve $95 million school plan

Indy voters approved a new school operating referendum on Tuesday, securing roughly $95 million in annual funding for Indianapolis Public Schools and about 60 public charter schools. The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation advanced the measure, which passed with approximately 63% of the vote. The funding will remain in place for four years and is split equally between the district and the charter schools. The money supports services for students with disabilities and English language learners, while also improving teacher pay and retention.

The tax rate for the referendum is 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. A homeowner with a property valued at $150,000 will pay about $220 annually under the new plan. This follows the 2023 capital referendum, which passed by a wider margin.

Statewide, turnout for the midterm election reached an estimated 2 million voters. That is 160,000 more than in the 2022 midterms. Early voting increased by 40%. These numbers reflect a higher level of participation than previous cycles.

Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the Indiana House of Representatives. They also flipped several historically Republican Senate districts. Republicans have held supermajorities in the House since 2012 and in the Senate since 2010. Beau Bayh became the first Democrat to win statewide office since 2012, taking the race for Secretary of State. Jessica Bailey won the race for state comptroller. Republican Daniel Elliot defeated Coumba Kebe to remain treasurer.

Voters also approved two changes to the state constitution. Amendment 1 allows courts to deny bail more frequently if a defendant poses a risk to public safety. Previously, bail could only be denied in cases of murder or treason. Amendment 2 permits city or town court judges to live in a neighboring county or town rather than the one where they serve.

The Indy Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee endorsed 26 candidates for the Indiana House of Representatives. Twenty of those candidates won their races. The group endorsed six candidates for the Indiana Senate, and five of them won. The committee uses a scorecard model and interviews to evaluate candidates based on policy alignment with Chamber priorities.

The Chamber will focus on building relationships with newly elected leaders over the coming months. The group aims to identify new champions for regional priorities ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The next legislative session is scheduled to begin in 2027.