As colleges across the country welcome students back to campus, incoming freshmen are starting college in the middle of a pandemic. And, many are struggling with a tough decision to start or defer college this fall.

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.

Students at Indianapolis Public Schools begin the 2020-21 academic year today with virtual-only classes and face a "potential technical glitch."

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.

As schools across Indiana start to reopen, educators are coming to grips with new safety and health requirements that drastically change how they teach.

About 2,600 students attend Delaware Community Schools, which began in-person classes last Thursday.

Many districts across the state are bringing students back in person but are also offering online learning for those nervous about returning. Schools have already recorded positive coronavirus cases since reopening and had to adjust their plans, including shutting down temporarily.

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.

Indiana is investing millions of dollars in contact tracing, and health experts say it can help isolate and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But schools are reporting challenges with that process.

Jennifer McCormick, the state's school superintendent, said that she thinks it's best for medical experts to determine if, when or how schools should reopen.