Indiana Voters Will Decide School Funding Measures
Thirty-eight school corporations across Indiana have placed operating referendums on the upcoming November ballot.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Administration
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Should your local school district use property tax referendums to fund daily operating expenses?
Voters in Indiana will head to the polls this November to decide on school operating referendum questions. These measures have been placed on the ballot by 38 school corporations across the state.
Why it matters
School districts are turning to referendums to replace property tax revenue lost to state-mandated caps. This funding is essential for these corporations to maintain transportation, programming, and staff pay.
A total of 38 Indiana school corporations have placed operating referendums on the November ballot. These include specific questions for the Culver Community, Oregon-Davis, and Michigan City Area school districts.
The players
Culver Community School Corporation
This is a local school district that has included an operating referendum question on the November ballot.
Oregon-Davis School Corporation
This is a local school district that has included an operating referendum question on the November ballot.
Michigan City Area Schools
This is a local school district that has included an operating referendum question on the November ballot.
The details
School corporations utilize these referendums when they cannot otherwise fulfill their educational duties due to revenue limitations. These funds are designated for operating expenses, which include staff benefits and core programming.
Timeline
Senate Enrolled Act 1 was passed into law in 2025.
Early voting is currently underway throughout October 2026.
Voters will decide on the school operating referendum questions in November 2026.
Culture Shift
These ballot initiatives are a direct response to the long-term impact of Indiana's property tax caps on local educational infrastructure. The current trend reflects a shift toward local voters having to decide on supplemental funding to maintain basic school operations.
Residents in the participating districts will face decisions that directly influence local school budgets and property tax obligations. Voters should review their specific ballot measures during early voting to understand how these funds will impact their local school resources.
The takeaway
Voters should examine how these referendums align with their community's educational priorities and financial constraints. Participating in the election process allows residents to have a direct say in the funding levels for local school operations.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory and funding structure of regional education, see Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSBT.
Live Poll
Should your local school district use property tax referendums to fund daily operating expenses?
