Indianapolis News and HeadlinesWRTV Investigates

Actions

CALL 6: IPS may consider reducing nearly $1B proposed tax hike

Funds for teacher pay, building improvements
Posted at 12:48 AM, Feb 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-17 00:48:34-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Public Schools has plans to ask taxpayers to approve one of the largest school-related tax hikes in Marion County, but Call 6 Investigates has learned the district may be considering a reduction.

The district's initial plan would raise $936 million over eight years. IPS wants the money to invest in teacher pay and to pay for building maintenance and improvements. 

Sources tell Call 6 Investigates that there is some concern with the price tag, especially among the business community and homeowners.

Some suggest the district reduce the amount to $650 million over eight years.

An IPS spokesperson could not confirm the figures, but we received a statement which says, in part:

"Since December, we have actively engaged in conversations with taxpayers, students, teachers, parents and community members. We take very seriously our stewardship role in managing taxpayer-provided resources."

The school board will need to address the issue soon because the referendum must be done in enough time to change wording on the ballot. 

Indianapolis voters will make a decision on this issue when they go to the polls on May 8.

PREVIOUS | IPS asks taxpayers for nearly $1 billion to cover school improvements, operating expenses | IPS funding request would raise the taxes for the average homeowner more than $300 per year |IPS votes to send $1 billion worth of funding referenda to May ballot

Top Trending Videos