Lawmakers approved the multi-purpose bill on the last day of legislative session after more than an hour debating the language.

Lawmakers created an avenue for charter schools to access referendum funding Monday, with a sudden change to legislation in the Senate.

Lawmakers are considering restrictions on how often schools in need of additional funding can propose referendum measures to local taxpayers.

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.

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township is asking voters to approve a $191 million property tax increase on Election Day to pay for building improvements system-wide.

Carmel Clay Schools is asking Hamilton County voters to approve a $40 million property tax increase in the state's first school safety referendum.

Thirteen referendum measures are on the ballot next week, and that list is split almost in half for construction-focused funding, and general operating measures.

Center Grove Community School Corporation is asking Johnson County voters to approve a property tax referendum on Election Day for $24.8 million to expand school safety measures.

An analysis from the Legislative Services Agency shows schools that pass referendum measures focused on general school operations and programs pay their teachers more on average.

The referendum aims to bring in an estimated $5 million a year for three years to fund school resource officers, teacher and staff training and mental health services for students.