Indianapolis Public Schools plans to announce school closures later this November as it addresses a $20 million deficit for next school year.
The district faces the deficit despite voter approval of a $95 million referendum for both IPS and charter schools that voters approved by 63% on Tuesday. The referendum is a financial lifeline for the district.If voters rejected it, the district would have faced an a additional $40 to $45 million in cuts.
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson thanked voters in a video released Wednesday for supporting the tax measure, but said the immediate economic challenges would be addressed through school consolidations and changes to partnership agreements with charter schools.
“While this referendum does not solve every financial challenge or difficult decision we face, it does help keep decisions about the future of our schools where they belong: right here in IPS and in Indianapolis with the families and communities we serve,” Johnson said.
The district estimates that one school closure could save $500,000.
The district’s last round of closures in 2023 came after a facility study examined the quality and enrollment capacity of its various buildings. It closed six school buildings with low utilization rates or poor building conditions.
Preliminary enrollment data from the state show that IPS student enrollment dropped by 8% compared to last school year — figures that could shape which schools to close.
The district will also reexamine its agreement with charter operators within its Innovation Network of autonomous schools. It may begin charging these schools for services that have previously been offered at no cost, including transportation. It’s unclear how much money that could save the district, although the acting executive director of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation in June estimated the services at around $12 million.
“We are working to share these recommendations and act now so that as enrollment gets underway and families make decisions, they can do so equipped with the most up-to-date information,” Johnson said in the video.
IPS also recently announced it would push state lawmakers for more funding for students with disabilities and English language learners during the 2027 state legislative session.
The enrollment window for IPS schools and city charter schools opens Nov. 5. The district’s next regular board meeting is Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
Contact WFYI Education Reporter Amelia Pak-Harvey at apak-harvey@wfyi.org
