Indiana Court Blocks Closure of Union School Corporation
A Randolph Superior Court judge ruled that state-mandated closure efforts for the district are unconstitutional.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Homeschooling
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A Randolph Superior Court judge has ruled that state-mandated efforts to close the Union School Corporation are unconstitutional. This summary judgment halts the planned dissolution of the district, which serves thousands of students.
Why it matters
The ruling provides legal security for the district, which was targeted for closure by the state because of its reliance on online curriculum. The decision allows the school corporation to continue its operations without the threat of a mandated shutdown.
The district currently educates 300 in-person students and 9,000 online students. The court reached its decision following a 12-minute hearing.
The players
Union School Corporation
A school district serving Winchester and surrounding Indiana counties that provides both in-person and online instruction.
Olivia S. Faddis
A judge presiding over the Randolph Superior Court who issued the summary judgment.
Indiana General Assembly
The legislative body that passed Senate Enrolled Act 1, which the court found to be unconstitutional.
The details
The Union School Corporation filed a lawsuit against Indiana officials on May 30, 2025, to challenge legislation that sought to dissolve the district. Judge Olivia S. Faddis issued the summary judgment in favor of the school district, effectively striking down the closure provisions of the state law.
Timeline
The Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 1 in 2025.
The district filed a lawsuit against the state on May 30, 2025.
Judge Olivia S. Faddis issued the summary judgment on October 23, 2026.
The original mandated closure date for the district was July 1, 2027.
Culture Shift
This decision reflects a broader societal shift regarding the acceptance of digital-first education models in state-funded systems. It signals a move away from legacy school requirements that prioritize physical infrastructure over student enrollment in online programs.
Families enrolled in the district can continue their current educational arrangements without immediate concern for school closure. The decision ensures that students currently utilizing the online curriculum maintain access to their established academic programs.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores the importance of legal challenges in protecting unconventional school models from legislative changes. Families should monitor any potential state appeals that could impact the future operational status of their local school district.
Further reading
For more information on legal standards for local education, visit the Homeschooling section.
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Should local school districts have more power to reject state-mandated closure decisions?
