Indianapolis teachers’ union backs IPS operating referendum

Union changes its position

The Indianapolis Education Association has voted to support the November operating referendum for Indianapolis Public Schools after about 30 days of talks with district leaders.

The union had withheld support because of planned budget cuts and the requirement to share referendum revenue with charter schools inside district boundaries. Independent charter schools previously did not receive money from operating referendums.

The union said IPS committed to keeping a districtwide reduction in educators out of its current spending-cut plan. The district also agreed to consider alternatives to teacher layoffs whenever possible in future budget decisions.

Other commitments include advocating for more state funding for special education, reviewing Innovation Network agreements to reflect IPS finances, and evaluating school mergers or consolidations as enrollment and financial conditions change.

IEA President Ronald Swann said the union sought to ensure educators would not be the district’s first response to its financial problems. The Indiana State Teachers Association also supports the referendum.

Tax proposal and district finances

The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, a new board overseeing school finances, is proposing a rate of 37 cents per of assessed property value. Owners of an average-valued home would pay more in taxes.

The referendum would remain in effect for four years and generate about annually. That money would be divided between IPS and charter schools operating within district boundaries.

IPS would still face a budget shortfall if voters approve the measure. The district expects to make in cuts by the next school year after announcing in cuts last spring. As part of the earlier reductions, IPS cut its workforce by 2%.