In December 2022, our Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners unanimously approved a $410 million capital referendum, which will be placed as a public question on the May 2023 ballot.
For the median homeowner in IPS, this would amount to a $3 monthly investment above the current property-tax rate. As outlined in the district's Rebuilding Stronger Plan, funding would be used to make major improvements to district facilities and fund new construction to better serve the 31,000 students enrolled in IPS.
On May 2, 2023, registered voters living in the IPS district will have the opportunity to vote on our capital referendum.
This is how the question will be presented on the May 2,2023 ballot.
Public Question
Shall Indianapolis Public Schools increase property taxes paid to the school corporation by homeowners and businesses? If this public question is approved by the voters, the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a residence would increase by 20.4% and the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a business property would increase by 14.9%. The political subdivision may issue bonds or enter into leases to finance construction projects, which include the construction of one new elementary school; construction of additions and renovations to multiple schools for classroom instruction and extracurricular activities; maintenance, athletics, and site improvements throughout the School Corporation; and the procurement of equipment and technology, which is estimated to cost $410,000,000 over thirty (30) years. The most recent property tax referendum within the boundaries of the political subdivision for which this public question is being considered was proposed by Indianapolis Public Schools in 2018 and passed.
Yes
No
This is what the question really means to property owners.
Public Question Clarification
If passed, the referendum will not increase your property tax bill by 20.4%. This percentage is based on the school tax rate portion of your property tax bill.
The proposed referendum will be at a rate of $0.0661 per $100 of assessed value - not market value.
To the average homeowner in the IPS community, the investment will be an additional $3.18 per month.
REMEMBER: The school tax rate is a portion of your overall tax bill.