Statement from isba executive terry spradlin on historic school referendum results

“Even amid heightened concern about household finances and the cost of living, Hoosiers in most communities demonstrated their continued commitment to investing in their local schools. The historic referendum results are a victory for children and a powerful vote of confidence in public education.

We stand with the school corporations whose referendums were unsuccessful, as they confront difficult financial decisions and continue working to serve their students and communities.”

A record 39 school referendums were on the ballot in the November 2026 general election, and 27 were approved, a 69% passage rate that exceeded the historical average of 64%. The 39 referendums more than doubled the previous record of 18, set in both the 2010 general election and the 2020 primary.