Indy Standard

Members of the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) community have been informed about the district's stance on Senate Bill 518 as the legislative session progresses. The IPS Board of School Commissioners provided an update regarding their position and future actions.

The Indiana General Assembly has been active, with House Bills 1136 and 1501 failing to advance last week. However, vigilance remains necessary to ensure these bills do not reappear in other forms. On February 20, Senate Bill 518 passed with a vote of 28-21 on its third reading. This bill includes an amendment delaying the start of property tax sharing until 2028 and gradually phasing in funding sharing over five years.

The IPS board emphasized transparency concerning critical considerations related to this bill if it advances further in the legislative process. These considerations will be addressed when the Indiana House of Representatives begins reviewing Senate Bill 518 in early March.

The board believes that implementing key considerations will help create a sustainable future for children within their jurisdiction. They acknowledge potential challenges but emphasize that students, staff, and families can shape a thoughtfully planned future.

"We are aligned with our state and local leaders who are working to create the best circumstances for all of our young people in Indianapolis and across the state to thrive and be successful," stated the board. "We want that, too. But, we will not support legislation that promotes disruption, chaos, and competition."

As discussions continue during this legislative session, IPS stresses that their community should lead in creating a united vision for their future rather than one that divides.

Community members are encouraged to share feedback as events unfold. Additional information is available on their Legislative Priorities page at https://myips.org/ips-2025-legislative-priorities/.