Lawmakers use controversial IPS dissolution bill as bargaining chip: Report

Indiana lawmakers indicate that a controversial bill proposing to dissolve Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and convert it into charter schools is unlikely to advance this session. Instead, the bill appears to be a negotiating tactic aimed at pushing IPS and other public schools to share property tax revenue with charter and neighboring public schools. The issue of revenue sharing has long been debated, with about half of the nearly 50,000 students in IPS boundaries attending non-IPS schools, reported Indystar.com.

House Speaker Todd Huston and House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning have emphasized revenue-sharing over dissolving IPS, while Senate Bill 518, which could shift millions in tax dollars to charter and public schools statewide, is seen as the more likely legislative change. IPS officials and community leaders have expressed concerns over potential financial impacts and lack of transparency in negotiations.

While fears about dissolving IPS persist, legislative focus remains on distributing property taxes more equitably among schools. Advocates caution against panic but urge vigilance as the session unfolds, noting that such proposals could resurface in future debates over school funding.