Indianapolis voters approved a new school operating referendum on Tuesday, with just over 63 percent voting yes, according to unofficial results reported by county election officials.
The measure was sought by the Indianapolis Public Education Corp. on behalf of Indianapolis Public Schools and nearby charter schools. It sets a tax rate of 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed property value, replacing the 19.6-cent rate voters approved in 2018. The money will be split between the two sectors: IPS is expected to receive about $46.4 million a year, while about 60 participating charter schools would share about $48.5 million annually.
Officials said the funding would support staff retention and training and academic programs, especially for English language learners and students with disabilities. Even so, IPS administrators have warned that budget cuts of at least $20 million are still coming because of changes in how the state directs property tax dollars to schools.
Indianapolis was one of five Marion County districts with a referendum on the fall ballot, part of a record 38 Indiana school corporations seeking voter-backed funding this year. Beech Grove's measure passed with about 59 percent support, Washington Township's renewal passed with nearly 67 percent, and Wayne Township's passed with just over 53 percent.
The only Marion County measure to fail was in Decatur Township, where just over 53 percent of voters said no to a proposal that would have slightly lowered the district's existing referendum rate. Referendum money across the county's districts broadly supports teacher pay, school bus service and utility costs.
