Indiana Coalition for Public Education

Fort Wayne Community Schools graduate's speech going viral. He speaks to the value and experience of our public schools and then the struggles to maintain quality in face of defunding:

"These problems are not specific or unique to our area, but in public schools all across the state. This is not a new, nor profound problem which just occured overnight. It happens because the ruling political party in Indiana has attacked and attempted to dismantle public education over the past 20 years."

The failures of our public education system do not happen by accident. They are a deliberate result of the Indiana Republican Party’s attempt to dismantle and destroy public schools. To the Class of 2026, I encourage every one of you use your public education and fight injustice wherever you see it. Become the change that you wish to see in the world. #classof2026 #graduation #education #indiana

School board members and school leaders: Here is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts about supporting your public schools through referendums!
For more resources, check out our website as well: https://indianacoalitionforpubliced.org/referendum.../
While it is the state legislature's duty to fully fund our public schools which accept all kids, we must ensure that our students have the quality education they deserve!

🚨 School Leaders & Board Members: Are you preparing for an upcoming referendum? Don't miss out on our upcoming Referendum Roadmap Workshop on June 10!

During this interactive session, our expert panel will break down exactly how to manage:

🏛️ Local politics & community sentiment
💰 Financial planning & budgeting accuracy
⚖️ Legal compliance & state regulations
📣 Strategic community messaging that resonates

Whether you are in the early planning stages or fine-tuning your strategy, this workshop will give you the tools to succeed.
 Secure your spot and register today: 👉 https://keepindianalearning.org/events/the-referendum-workshop/

This event is a collaboration with Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) & Keep Indiana Learning.

❓❓ Have you contacted your congressperson to ask them to support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act?! Do it TODAY! Link is in the comments. 📣📣📢 USE YOUR VOICE FOR KIDS!

“Public dollars belong in public schools,” said our ICPE President Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer.“ At a time when Indiana schools are already facing significant financial pressures, expanding voucher schemes at the federal level threatens to further destabilize public education which serves the overwhelming majority of children. Federal dollars should be spent on programs that serve all students, fully fund special education, for example, and not on institutions that often discriminate against vulnerable kids.”

Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools: Support Grows for Federal Bill to Repeal National Voucher Program - Indiana Coalition for Public Education Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools: Support Grows for Federal Bill to Repeal National Voucher Program by Indiana Coalition for Public Education | May 28, 2026 | Federal Vouchers, Vouchers In April of this year, the Indiana Coalition for Public Education (ICPE), joined organizations across the cou...

"The ultimate test of whether every Indiana student can access some kind of work-based learning if they want it is coming up. Thousands of students beginning with the Class of 2029 will need the hours of career experience required for the top-tier enrollment and employment diplomas. Under the diploma seals adopted by the state in late 2024, many will also need career and technical education courses, and paths toward earning technical certificates."

Help wanted: Where Indiana high school students are finding career experience At some Indiana high schools, students manufacture parts for local industries, learn computer-assisted design to use at after-school internships, and even run a cattle farm. These career experiences will soon play a larger role in the state’s new graduation requirements.

Magical things happen in our public schools every single day!
Public schools are the heart of our communities!

"According to the Indiana Department of Education’s annual scholarship report, released in June 2025, Indiana’s School Choice scholarship program grew by 13.2% over the previous year, with the state paying $497.1 million in tuition grants.

It has created a funding shortfall for public schools. Traditional public schools, which serve 93% of Hoosier schoolchildren, received 64% of new educational funding added in fiscal year 2024, according to the Indiana State Teachers Association. Private K-12 schools, which educate just 7% of state students, accepted a whopping 36% of the new education money."

Education strains could result in record school referendums this fall Property tax reforms and School Choice scholarship program growth have led to public education strains that could result in 100 property tax referendums this fall.

"The cuts come as IPS faces a broader existential challenge. Property tax reform lawmakers passed last year is expected to bring a loss of millions in property tax revenues to IPS and districts across the state. State lawmakers also created a new appointed body that will assume key financial powers previously reserved for the elected IPS school board.

The new nine-member Indianapolis Public Education Corporation board, appointed by the mayor, must tackle key resource questions to place district and charter schools on an even playing field. The board will have the power to set property tax rates for residents in IPS, as charter schools gradually receive more property taxes for operating expenses. The board will also take control of IPS buildings and transportation for the benefit of both district and charter schools."

IPS cuts $17 million in central office in move toward “responsible and deliberate fiscal discipline” The reductions are in addition to $7 million in school-based reductions announced in March. They include cuts to transportation and a loss of about 28 jobs.

"That means right now, school board candidates are not just deciding whether to run. They are deciding how political they want their candidacy to look.

Steve Horton, director of board services for the Indiana School Boards Association, explains the new law creates pressure for candidates who may still prefer to run outside partisan labels, especially incumbents.

“I can tell you that sitting board members struggle with, I think, for the most part, desiring to be nonpartisan, but the law doesn’t make it easy for them to do that,” Horton divulges. “The fact that if I choose to be nonpartisan, I know that I’m going to be listed last among candidates on the ballot – and that’s not an advantageous place to be.”"

Partisan board races ahead - Indiana Insight School boards enter new political era in November election With Indiana’s primary election settled this week, the attention now turns to the November general election, where, on the education front, school board races are heading into unfamiliar territory. Candidates can appear on the general elec...