ON YOUR BALLOT NOV. 3
Vote Yes for
Indianapolis
Public Education
Indianapolis has a decision to make. A YES vote on Nov. 3 is an investment in our students and our future. It puts resources directly into classrooms, keeps great teachers in our schools, and gives students the support they need to thrive.
Strong Schools. Strong Teachers. Strong Indianapolis.
THE FACTS
What's on the ballot
The Indiana Legislature created the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation in 2026 and gave it responsibility for conducting operating referendums.
After a several-week public process, the corporation voted June 22, 2026, to put the question to voters at a rate of 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, replacing the current rate of 19 cents, which expires Dec. 31, 2026.
For the first time, State law requires this funding to be shared with every type of public school in the district. That means every public school serving students in the IPS boundary, IPS and public charter alike. A yes vote is a vote for all of them.
Without passage, we risk additional loss of local control with state intervention likely.
WHAT IT COSTS
Less than $10 a month.
Every dollar stays in Indianapolis classrooms.
For a home assessed at $150,000, that means about $115 a year more than you pay today. Less than $10 a month to keep great teachers in Indianapolis classrooms.
The rate is capped at 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value and lasts four years. It cannot be raised without another vote. Every dollar goes to Indianapolis public schools, tied directly to teachers, classrooms and the services students depend on.
a month for a
$150,000 home
UNDER $10
then voters
decide again
4 YEARS
a year for four years, all of it for Indianapolis students
$95M
Why This Vote Matters
Even in a challenging economy, Indianapolis has an opportunity to affirm that investing in education is essential to our community's continued progress. This vote is how: Even in a challenging economy, Indianapolis has an opportunity to affirm that investing in education is essential to our community's continued progress. This vote is how we make that commitment real. we make that commitment real.
Strong public schools shape the neighborhoods people move to, the workforce employers hire from and the city we all share. The students in Indianapolis classrooms today will run this city tomorrow. Voting yes says we are invested in them.
A Commitment to Community Progress
This funding is tied directly to classroom education. It supports students and the student-centered approaches that strengthen learning, in every public school in the IPS boundary.
Investments That Reach The Classroom
INVESTING IN EDUCATORS AND ACCESS
Great teachers change children's lives. Every year, Indianapolis public schools lose talented educators to districts that pay more. A yes vote helps our schools compete: attracting strong teachers, keeping them and giving experienced educators a reason to build lasting careers here while continuing to serve our community.
Recruiting
and retaining excellent teachers.
Funding follows the students.
Since about half of public school students attend public charter schools and about half attend IPS schools, the money will be about evenly split.
How the money is shared.
50%
IPS schools
50%
Public charter
schools
About two-thirds to student programs, including special education and English language support. About one third to recruiting, keeping, and training teachers and staff.
How it is planned to be spent.
WHO SUPPORTS IT
IPS and public charter
schools, asking together
For the first time, Indianapolis Public Schools and the city's public charter schools are on the same side of a ballot question. Parents, educators, business leaders and civic leaders from across Indianapolis have joined them.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
Diane Arnold, former IPS board president
Marianne Glick, chair, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Family Foundation
Bart Peterson, former Indianapolis Mayor
William Shrewberry, former Indianapolis deputy mayor
Morgan Snyder, IPS Parent
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Barato Britt, Jay Height, Marlin Jackson, Lacy Johnson, Tom King, Tony Mason, Venita Moore, Andrew Neal, Max Siegel and Ahmed Young
2026 Referendum Ballot Language
"Shall the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation increase property taxes paid to the Indianapolis Public Schools ("IPS") and participating charter schools for no more than four (4) years for the purpose of funding teacher and staff retention, professional development, and advancing academic programs and opportunities by imposing a property tax rate that does not exceed $0.372 per $100 of assessed value and results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $95,000,000? If this operating referendum public question is approved by the voters, for a median residence of $150,000, the property's annual property tax bill would increase by $221 per year."
HOW TO VOTE
Make your plan to vote yes
Referendums are decided by the people who show up. Here is how to make sure you are one of them.
1
REGISTER
Register by Oct. 5.
Check your registration or register at IndianaVoters.com. It takes
two minutes.
2
VOTE EARLY
Vote early
Oct. 6 to Nov. 2.
Skip the Election Day lines. Vote in person at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St.
ON YOUR BALLOT
The school question may be near the end of your ballot.
Look for the public question asking whether the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation should increase property taxes for IPS and participating charter schools. Vote yes.
Your Investment. Their Future
Investing In Classrooms
Resources, programs, and technology that help students learn and grow.
Competitive Teacher Pay
Retaining and attracting great educators who make a lasting impact in our schools.
Quality Education for Every Student
Supporting students in every public school in the Indianapolis Public Schools boundary regardless of school type