Indiana Voters Approve School Funding Referendums

Voters approved school funding referendums across Wisconsin and Indiana, amid concerns that districts cannot maintain programs and services under existing funding levels. Wisconsin had nearly 80 school questions on the ballot; Green Bay voters approved a $158 million, four-year measure, while State Superintendent Jill Underly said reliance on local tax referendums highlights the need to reform the state’s school funding system. In Indianapolis, more than 63% of voters backed a four-year operating referendum expected to generate roughly $88 million to $95 million annually for Indianapolis Public Schools and area charter schools. The measure is expected to reduce IPS’s required budget cuts from about $60 million to $20 million and fund teachers, special education, and other student services. The vote came as about three dozen Indiana districts sought tax increases to offset revenue losses tied in part to a state property-tax overhaul; most Marion County measures passed, while some referendums elsewhere were rejected.