The 2025 legislative session officially concluded (also known as ‘Sine Die’) on April 29. Reflecting on the whirlwind of the past few months, it’s clear there is much to celebrate with our advocates and partners.
Investing in Our Teachers
One significant victory is the allocation of over $35 million into the Teacher Appreciation Grant for strategically retaining excellent teachers and elevating leadership roles within schools. The TAG language in the budget reflects some of the key ideas for teacher retention we worked on alongside partners this summer. Despite a budget deficit announced just before Sine Die, this language and funding, originally in House Bill 1500, remained intact.
A Historic Win for Public Charter School Funding
Despite challenging circumstances, parents and students tirelessly returned to the Statehouse to address a funding gap of more than $100 million for public charter school students. Thanks to these advocate voices, combined with amazing leadership of partner organizations like The Mind Trust, a historic policy change happened that will ensure fair funding for students across all public school types.
Addressing Inequities in Our Largest School District
At the session’s outset, we aimed to support bills addressing fundamental inequities in IPS, our state’s largest school district. This included transportation plans to benefit public schools across sectors and ensure our school buildings are housing programs that are getting the best student outcomes. Stand was proud to be a part of coalition of supporters who successfully pushed for the passage of House Bill 1515, which includes the creation of two pilot programs aimed at student transportation and facilities. This work will extend over three years and is authorized by the Indiana Department of Education in three districts. The bill also creates the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), which exists to assess all local school facilities and develop a long-term transportation and facilities plan that encompasses schools in both the traditional and charter sectors within the IPS boundary. Our hope is HB 1515 will lead to efficient and effective transportation services that improve access to education for students.
Reaffirming School Accountability
Lastly, advocates are celebrating a bill that will bring back an A-F school accountability system. While there is a desire for more comprehensive school accountability, the passage of House Bill 1498 kicks off a new process to build a revamped and trusted system of school and district accountability that parents have supported for years.
Looking Ahead
Though we’ve adjourned the 2025 legislative session, the work continues. In the coming months, Stand Indiana staffers and advocates look forward to engaging in deep discussions about education and collaborating to drive positive change for public school students in Indiana.
