The Indianapolis Public Schools is asking for community feedback to address learning loss, student equity and financial stability. The discussions are part of a year-long community engagement process as the district tries to prevent its budget from going into the red by 2028.

In a letter sent to schools Friday, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) outlined a plan for lawmakers and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure full funding for students learning in-person during the fall semester.

Indiana schools will get nearly $2.6 billion, targeted to those that serve more low-income students. The money offers an unusual test of whether spending more on education will improve outcomes for children.

School districts are quickly changing their policies in response to new Indiana Department of Health guidelines, which no longer require quarantines for asymptomatic students and staff if districts implement a mask mandate.

The Indiana Department of Education has awarded more than $120 million in learning recovery grants to schools and community organizations. The grants were announced Tuesday.

The searchable database shows the total each public school district, charter school and adult high school in Indiana is receiving from the two federal pandemic relief spending packages and how much that amounts to per student in the district.

It's the first time only one school corporation in Indiana has sought referendum approval during spring elections in the past decade.

The $1.8 billion in funding is the largest ever injection of federal funds to Indiana schools. The money can be used to address learning loss and reimburse certain COVID-19-related expenses.

The state's largest teachers union says it wants lawmakers to take action on recommendations made by the governor's compensation commission to boost teacher pay.

High school courses in areas including cosmetology and culinary arts will keep their state funding in a version of the budget approved by the Senate.