Indianapolis, January 13, 2026
A legislative proposal, House Bill 1423, has been introduced in Indiana’s Statehouse that seeks to expand the authority of the Indianapolis mayor over local educational institutions. This bill plans to establish the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC), which would oversee school property and create a unified transportation system for all students. Critics express concerns about the centralization of power, while supporters argue it could lead to improved management and equitable resource distribution in schools.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Proposed Education Bill Seeks to Expand Mayor’s Authority Over Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools within the city may undergo significant governance changes under a new legislative proposal. House Bill 1423, introduced in the Indiana Statehouse, aims to grant the Indianapolis mayor greater control over educational institutions, potentially diminishing the influence of the current elected school board.
Key Provisions of House Bill 1423
- Establishment of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC): The bill proposes creating a nine-member board appointed by the mayor. This corporation would oversee school property and develop a unified transportation plan for all students within IPS boundaries. Members would serve four-year terms, with appointments required by June 1, 2026.
- Unified Student Transportation: All schools within IPS boundaries, including charter schools, would be mandated to provide transportation services. Currently, fewer than half of independent charter schools offer bus services, while about half of charters in the IPS Innovation Network rely on IPS buses.
- Shift in Financial Responsibilities: The corporation would assume authority to levy property taxes, issue debt, and seek voter-approved tax increases for operating or capital expenses. IPS would no longer control these funds but would retain money from previous referendums approved by voters in 2018 and 2023. The corporation would also develop a formula to distribute property tax revenue to individual schools.
Background and Context
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), established in 2025 through House Bill 1515, has been working to address operational inefficiencies and inequalities between IPS and charter schools. The ILEA’s recommendations have influenced the current legislative proposal, aiming to unify the city’s education system and improve resource sharing.
Critics of the bill express concerns about the concentration of power in the mayor’s office and the potential reduction of community input in educational decision-making. Supporters argue that the proposed changes could lead to more efficient management and equitable access to resources for all students.
Next Steps
The Indiana Statehouse is expected to review House Bill 1423 in the coming days. If passed, the proposed changes could take effect in the near future, marking a significant shift in the governance of Indianapolis’ educational institutions.
Key Features of House Bill 1423
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment of IPEC | A nine-member board appointed by the mayor to oversee school property and develop a unified transportation plan for all students within IPS boundaries. |
| Unified Student Transportation | Mandates all schools within IPS boundaries, including charter schools, to provide transportation services. |
| Shift in Financial Responsibilities | Grants the corporation authority to levy property taxes, issue debt, and seek voter-approved tax increases for operating or capital expenses, while IPS would no longer control these funds but retain money from previous referendums approved by voters in 2018 and 2023. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 1423?
House Bill 1423 is a legislative proposal introduced in the Indiana Statehouse that seeks to grant the Indianapolis mayor greater control over Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools within the city. The bill aims to establish the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC), a nine-member board appointed by the mayor, to oversee school property and develop a unified transportation plan for all students within IPS boundaries.
What are the key provisions of House Bill 1423?
The key provisions of House Bill 1423 include:
- Establishment of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC): A nine-member board appointed by the mayor to oversee school property and develop a unified transportation plan for all students within IPS boundaries.
- Unified Student Transportation: Mandating all schools within IPS boundaries, including charter schools, to provide transportation services.
- Shift in Financial Responsibilities: Granting the corporation authority to levy property taxes, issue debt, and seek voter-approved tax increases for operating or capital expenses, while IPS would no longer control these funds but retain money from previous referendums approved by voters in 2018 and 2023.
What is the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)?
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) is a state-mandated task force established in 2025 through House Bill 1515. The ILEA aims to address operational inefficiencies and inequalities between Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools, working to unify the city’s education system and improve resource sharing.
What are the concerns and support regarding House Bill 1423?
Critics of House Bill 1423 express concerns about the concentration of power in the mayor’s office and the potential reduction of community input in educational decision-making. Supporters argue that the proposed changes could lead to more efficient management and equitable access to resources for all students.
What are the next steps for House Bill 1423?
The Indiana Statehouse is expected to review House Bill 1423 in the coming days. If passed, the proposed changes could take effect in the near future, marking a significant shift in the governance of Indianapolis’ educational institutions.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
