The leader of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation warned Thursday that Indianapolis Public Schools could face insolvency and a state takeover if voters reject a $95 million property tax referendum on Nov. 3.
At IPEC's Thursday meeting, its last before Election Day, Executive Director Karega Rausch reminded the board that there are serious consequences if the referendum is not successful, pointing to earlier comments by IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson about the potential fallout. Board member Patricia Castañeda said having the state take over the local public education system would not be good for children, families or communities.
Rausch said referendum resources are going to teacher retention, development and academic programs, and that not a dime of referendum money would go to IPEC. He also promised a forthcoming reporting tool that will let voters follow how referendum dollars are spent at IPS and charter schools.
The board also approved its first budget and hired a policy analysis firm to prepare for the next legislative session. The $3.2 million budget includes $1.9 million for consulting and other outside expertise, $1 million for staff salaries and $300,000 for physical space, and the board approved a contract with Policy Analytics for financial services. IPEC will next meet Nov. 12.
