INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson says the 2026 Operating Referendum appearing on the ballot this election, if approved, could provide up to $95 million annually to support schools serving students who live within the IPS boundary — including participating public charter schools.
Johnson joined News 8 at Daybreak to break down the four-year referendum.
This referendum is different because the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, or IPEC, now has the authority to oversee operating referendums for schools within the IPS boundary. That means this is a community-wide referendum that would provide funding not only for IPS schools, but also for participating public charter schools serving students who live within the IPS boundary.
If approved by voters, IPEC approved a maximum rate of 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for the four-year referendum. The funding would be directed toward:
The ballot language states that for a median residence valued at $150,000, the annual property tax would increase by $221. However, the district said the actual net increase is about $106 per year, or roughly $9 per month, after accounting for the expiring 2018 operating referendum, which ends in December 2026.
“This operating referendum is about more than balancing numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about shaping the future for the young people in our city,” Johnson said. “It’s about coming together to ensure that students continue to have access to strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and the support they need to succeed from talented teachers and staff.”
Johnson said IPS has already cut $24 million from its budget this year. Without the referendum, the district would need to cut an additional $40 million to $45 million annually starting in 2027, according to the district. Johnson admits that would require difficult decisions about staffing, transportation and student support programs.
Even if voters approve the measure, Johnson said IPS will still need to cut an additional $20 million because the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation approved a 37.2-cent rate instead of the 55-cent rate IPS originally sought.
The 2026 referendum differs from previous measures because the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation now has levying authority.
State law mandates that funds must be shared with participating public charter schools serving students who live within the IPS boundary. This marks the first time referendum revenue would be distributed across both IPS and charter schools in the district.
IPS is one of 38 Indiana school districts pursuing 2026 referendums — the largest number in state history.
Other districts seeking voter approval include Beech Grove, Noblesville, Carmel-Clay, Zionsville, Hamilton Southeastern, Washington Township, Wayne Township, and Decatur Township.
State policy changes over the past 15 years have forced districts to rely on local operating referendums for classroom funding, according to education advocates. The 2008 property tax caps cost IPS approximately $19 million annually.
More recent legislation has compounded budget pressures: The 2023 SEA 391 mandated that future referendum dollars be shared with charter schools, while the 2025 SEA 1 capped local property tax revenues statewide.
“Our responsibility is to make sure families understand how these decisions affect their schools and their children,” Johnson said. “So, I urge you to vote yes.”
Voters can access more information and calculate their estimated property tax impact at:
The referendum will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
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