Indianapolis Public Schools to Hold Referendum Vote
The district is asking voters to approve a funding measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot to address budget shortfalls.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Administration
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Indianapolis Public Schools will ask residents to decide on an operating referendum on November 3, 2026. The measure seeks $95 million in annual funding to support educator retention, student services, and classroom stability.
Why it matters
The referendum is intended to offset the expiration of the 2018 operating measure and address systemic budget constraints caused by state property tax caps. Approval is seen as a key step to preventing deeper service cuts in the coming years.
The proposed rate is 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, resulting in an annual net tax increase of $106 for a $150,000 median residence. If the measure fails, the district projects annual cuts between $40 million and $45 million starting in 2027.
The players
Indianapolis Public Schools
This public school district provides education to students across Indianapolis and is currently managing significant budget restructuring.
Indianapolis Public Education Corporation
This body holds the governing authority to oversee the district's operating referendum process.
The details
The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation is overseeing the referendum, which must share revenue with participating local charter schools per state law. The funding is intended to stabilize district operations following a $24 million budget reduction in 2026.
Timeline
2008 marked the establishment of state property tax caps.
2023 saw the mandate of charter school funding sharing via SEA 391.
2025 introduced caps on local property tax revenues under SEA 391.
December 2026 is when the existing 2018 operating referendum expires.
November 3, 2026 is the date the referendum appears on the ballot.
Culture Shift
This measure highlights the broader trend of Indiana school districts relying on local referendums to bridge funding gaps created by the 2008 Indiana property tax caps. It reflects a growing reliance on community-level financial approval to sustain basic educational services.
For a median homeowner with a $150,000 residence, passage of the referendum would result in a net annual property tax increase of $106. Residents will need to consider how this cost compares to the district's proposed service reductions scheduled for 2027.
The takeaway
Voters are tasked with balancing the cost of a tax increase against the district's stated need for operating revenue. Residents can review their property assessments and the projected budget impacts to better understand the proposed local tax adjustments.
What happens next
The referendum will go to a public vote on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local Administration policies and district operations.
Live Poll
Do you support increasing local property taxes to fund school operations in your community?
