Indiana made national news when a bill was put forth that would completely dissolve two of the state’s largest school districts. Those school districts can now breathe a sigh of relief.

House Bill 1136 will not be heard by the House Education Committee, effectively stopping its progress. The bill would have dissolved any school district where more than half of the students attend schools not operated by said district. The district schools would have been converted into individual charters. IPS officials welcomed the decision but remained cautious, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for policies that serve students while minimizing disruption.

The proposed legislation would have impacted Indianapolis Public Schools, Gary Community Schools, Tri-Township Consolidated Schools, Union Schools, and Cannelton City Schools.

The bill is the latest salvo in the debate of property tax money in education. Supporters of the bill think school districts should share more money with charters, who typically don’t benefit from the same funding sources.