Indianapolis schools could see big governance shifts: New bill expands mayor’s role and student services

A new proposal in the Indiana statehouse aims to give the Indianapolis mayor greater control over schools while reducing the authority of the current elected school board. The bill, HB 1423, could bring significant changes to how both Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools are managed, potentially taking effect in the coming months.

Chalkbeat reported that the plan is based on the recommendations of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) and it primarily emphasizes the two priorities: enhancing student transportation and reshuffling the school governance. This proposal is a result of the extensive discussions within the public that took place over months whereby parents, students, educators, and community members expressed divergent views on the issue of schools in the city.

Creation of a new education corporation

HB 1423 proposes the establishment of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, a new nine-member body appointed by the mayor. The corporation would take over control of school property and create a transportation plan for all students in IPS boundaries.

Members of the corporation would include three charter school leaders, three IPS commissioners, and three others with experience in facilities, transportation, logistics, or work with vulnerable students, Chalkbeat reported. Each member would serve a four-year term and could be reappointed. The mayor must appoint all members by June 1, 2026.

Transportation for all students

Under the bill, every school within IPS boundaries, including charter schools, would be required to offer transportation. Currently, fewer than half of independent charter schools provide bus services, while about half of charters in the IPS Innovation Network rely on IPS buses, according to Chalkbeat. This provision is aimed at ensuring equal access to school for all students.

Shift in financial powers

The bill would move major financial responsibilities from the IPS school board to the new corporation. The corporation would have the power to levy property taxes, issue debt, and seek voter-approved tax increases for operating or capital expenses.

IPS would no longer control these funds but would retain money from previous referendums approved by voters in 2018 and 2023. The corporation would also develop a formula to distribute property tax revenue to individual schools.

Charter schools and low-performing schools

HB 1423 limits charter school authorizers in IPS to the mayor’s office, the Indiana Charter School Board, and the IPS school board. Schools overseen by other authorizers can continue under their existing charters until the term ends. The corporation would also set up a unified enrollment system and a single school performance framework.

This framework would rate schools based on academics, student discipline, enrollment, property condition, finances, and governance, and would close chronically low-performing schools, Chalkbeat noted.

Role of school boards

Despite these changes, school boards would still manage day-to-day operations, hire and fire staff, and create individual school budgets. However, major decisions about property, transportation, and finances would shift to the new corporation.

Next steps for the bill

HB 1423 is scheduled for discussion in the House Education Committee on Monday at 9:30 a.m., led by Rep. Bob Behning. If approved, it would proceed to a full House vote and then the Senate. The bill may undergo changes during the legislative session, including questions about giving the mayor authority to appoint all members of the corporation, Chalkbeat reported.

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