What's in the Books for Indiana Public Schools?

As Indiana transitions to new leadership under Governor-elect Mike Braun, education policy is poised to take center stage. Among Braun’s proposals is the expansion of school choice, including universal vouchers that allow families to use state funds for private school tuition. While proponents argue that this provides families with more educational options, critics warn of significant repercussions for public schools, which serve the majority of Indiana’s students.

Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program, already one of the nation’s largest voucher initiatives, is projected to cost over $600 million this year. Critics, including the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), argue that such programs divert essential funding from public schools, exacerbating disparities and leaving many schools unable to meet students' needs. ISTA has called for increased teacher salaries, improved classroom conditions, and more mental health resources to address the challenges public schools face. (ISTA Priorities)

Similarly, the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) has emphasized the need for equitable resource distribution and sustained investment in public education. Their 2025 legislative priorities focus on securing increased state budget allocations and tuition support to address funding gaps and improve educational outcomes across districts. (ISBA Legislative Priorities)

Research supports these concerns. Studies on Indiana’s voucher program indicate that while competition from vouchers might initially spur productivity in public schools, it often leads to a decline in performance over time. Diverting funds to private institutions, which are not held to the same accountability standards, leaves public schools with fewer resources to support students. (Indiana University School of Education)

To learn more and find out how you can get involved, visit the following resources:

• Indiana State Teachers Association
• Indiana School Boards Association
• Indiana Coalition for Public Education
• LWV US Position on Education

Local Government Meeting Schedules

• County Council Meeting 2nd Tuesday of every month at 8:30 a.m., Tippecanoe County Building
• County Commissioners Meeting 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 10 a.m., Tippecanoe County Building
• West Lafayette City Council 1st Monday of every month 6:30 p.m., Margerum City Hall.
• Lafayette City Council 1st Monday of every month 6 p.m., Lafayette City Hall

NOTE: All meetings are subject to change or cancellation so check before attending.

Barb Clark, Exec-Business organization@leaguelafayette.org

Lori Miller, Exec-Advocacy/Outreach advocacy@leaguelafayette.org

Beth Jones, Exec-Events/Public Educ events@leaguelafayette.org  

Denise Ottinger, Treasurer treasurer@leaguelafayette.org  

Amy Bolman French, Secretary secretary@leaguelafayette.org

Angie Delworth, Comms Dir communications@leaguelafayette.org

Sallie Fahey, Chair Enviro & Sustain envt_sustain@leaguelafayette.org

Rachel Kizer, Membership membership@leaguelafayette.org

Lynn Wood, the VOTER Editor editor@leaguelafayette.org

Taylor Flanery, Voter Services voterservices@leaguelafayette.org