Indiana Voters Will Decide on School Funding Referendums
Residents in 38 school districts will cast ballots this November on referendums to support local operating budgets.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Administration
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In the November 2026 election, voters across 38 Indiana school corporations will decide on operating referendums to address funding gaps. Local districts including Culver Community School Corporation, Oregon-Davis School Corporation, and Michigan City Area Schools have placed these questions on their ballots.
Why it matters
School corporations utilize these referendums to replace property tax revenue that is lost due to state-mandated caps. These funds are essential for districts to meet public educational duties, including transportation costs, programming, and staff pay and benefits.
A total of 38 school corporations across Indiana have placed operating referendums on the ballot. Local questions will appear for voters in the Culver, Oregon-Davis, and Michigan City districts.
The players
Culver Community School Corporation
A local educational entity providing primary and secondary schooling that is seeking voter approval for operating funds.
Oregon-Davis School Corporation
A district-level educational organization currently requesting additional operating revenue through a ballot referendum.
Michigan City Area Schools
The public school system serving the Michigan City community that has included a funding question on the November ballot.
The details
School districts in Indiana turn to referendums when they cannot meet operational expenses under existing state-mandated property tax caps. The revenue generated from these voter-approved measures is allocated toward core services, specifically transportation, student programming, and compensation for staff.
Timeline
2025: Senate Enrolled Act 1 was passed into law.
October 2026: Early voting is currently underway.
November 2026: Voters will decide on school operating referendum questions.
The Home Front
These ballot initiatives are a direct response to state-mandated property tax caps that limit revenue for local schools. The current cycle of referendums follows the 2025 passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which influences how districts manage educational funding.
Residents should review their local sample ballot to see if an operating referendum is listed for their specific school district. Early voting is already underway, and voters can prepare by researching the specific educational programs the funding would support.
The takeaway
School funding referendums are a critical mechanism for maintaining district operations when property tax caps limit available revenue. Voters should consult their county clerk's office or official election website to confirm their district's specific ballot language before heading to the polls.
Further reading
For more information on local school governance, visit Indiana Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSBT.
Live Poll
Should your local school district use property tax referendums to fund daily operating expenses?
