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.

Bills aimed at increasing police accountability and ensuring Indianas public schools receive full funding for all students during the coronavirus pandemic were among 19 measures signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb Thursday.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Indiana is expected to receive $1,994,734,056 through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

The Indiana General Assembly has approved full funding for schools operating virtually because of COVID-19.

More than one-third of the proposed state funding hike for Indiana schools could go toward the state's private school voucher program under a Republican-backed plan that could boost the program's cost by nearly 50 percent over the next two years.

A bipartisan group of former Indiana education chiefs are speaking out against Republican-led legislation to expand the states private school voucher program.

The package provides schools with a direct line to roughly four times the amount of money than the original CARES Act. Many plan to use the funding to address learning loss and other ongoing needs exacerbated by the pandemic.

Lawmakers in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly have approved legislation to provide full funding for schools operating virtually during the pandemic after the Senate approved its version of the bill Tuesday.