The Indiana State Board of Accounts described the states per-student public school funding formula as an inherent risk because it incentivizes a school corporation to increase enrollment. The higher the student count, the more state funds a school receives.

The awards announced Wednesday will go to 1,366 schools, the vast majority of which are traditional public schools.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is pitching an idea to calm concerns about school funding, but school leaders are doubtful it will truly clear up the problem and say it could make things like navigating teacher pay even more challenging.

Funding became a huge question mark last week after Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) sent a letter to schools warning them they could lose 15 percent of state dollars if they dont reopen to in-person instruction.

Sen. President Pro Tempore Rod Bray (R-Martinsville) sent a letter to school leaders Thursday, saying they could risk up to 15 percent of their state funding if they do not offer in-person classes this fall.

Despite worries about COVID-19's impact on the economy, voters appear to be supporting funding proposals from school corporations across Indiana.

More than a dozen school districts are seeking voter approval for referendum funding during today's primary election, and leaders and school officials say the pandemic has changed how they talk about their proposals.

Indiana will receive education funding from the stimulus package two ways: a roughly $60 million grant for higher education, K-12 and early childhood education to be distributed by the governor and other state leaders. Schools will also receive about $215 million, dispersed based on low-income student enrollment, or Title I status.

The number of homeless students enrolled in Hoosier schools nearly doubled between 2008 and 2018.

Carmel Clay and Lawrence schools won their referendums, but Center Grove Community schools was among four school districts in the state that failed to win voter approval for their measures.