Indianapolis Public Schools to Cut $7 Million from Budget

Reductions will impact staffing and supplies as district faces financial shortfall

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Indianapolis Public Schools plans to cut $7 million from school budgets next school year as it faces an impending financial shortfall. The cuts could impact staffing, school supplies, and prekindergarten services. The district is grappling with factors like recent state property tax reform, a requirement to share property taxes with charter schools, and declining student enrollment.

Why it matters

The budget cuts at Indianapolis Public Schools highlight the financial pressures facing urban school districts, which must balance providing a quality education with managing tight budgets. The reductions could significantly impact students and families, raising concerns about equitable access to resources and programming.

The details

The proposed $7 million in cuts will affect each school differently, as principals make "tough budget choices" for their individual schools. At least two schools have already notified parents about plans to share teachers for art, music, and English as a New Language programs due to declining enrollment. The district's prekindergarten offerings are also expected to shrink, with at least five schools no longer listed as offering pre-K for the 2026-27 school year.

  • The IPS school board will vote on the budget for next school year on March 26, 2026.
  • The district will run out of money if voters don't pass an operating referendum in November 2026.

The players

Aleesia Johnson

Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools.

Sarah Clark

Principal of Butler Lab School 55.

Hilary Duvall

Principal of Center For Inquiry School 27.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Because every school is unique and factors like academic programming, enrollment, and student needs shape a school's budget, there's not a one-size-fits-all summary of changes happening across our schools for next year.”

— Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent (Chalkbeat Indiana)

“While the minutes of the time your children are in Studio class would not be different from this year, it will be different in timing (days of the week).”

— Sarah Clark, Principal, Butler Lab School 55 (Chalkbeat Indiana)

“Please know that as we consider decisions to meet our budget, what will remain my number one priority is our students' access to a high-quality and robust student experience.”

— Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent (Chalkbeat Indiana)

What’s next

The IPS school board will vote on the proposed $7 million in budget cuts on March 26, 2026. The district also faces a November 2026 referendum that will determine if it receives additional funding to avoid running out of money.

The takeaway

The budget cuts at Indianapolis Public Schools reflect the difficult financial realities facing many urban school districts, which must balance providing a quality education with managing tight budgets. The reductions could significantly impact students and families, raising concerns about equitable access to resources and programming.