Legal Acknowledgement
Indianapolis Public Schools (hereinafter “IPS”) hereby publishes this referendum disclosure statement in compliance with Indiana Code § 20-46-1-8(j) regarding the referendum to be submitted to voters on November 3, 2026.
Official Misconduct and Bribery Acknowledgment
IPS explicitly acknowledges and affirms that the school corporation is not committing, and has not committed, any crime described in Indiana Code § 35-44.1-1, including but not limited to:
- Official Misconduct (IC 35-44.1-1-1) — The school corporation and its public servants have not knowingly or intentionally:
- Committed any offense in the performance of official duties;
- Solicited, accepted, or agreed to accept from an appointee or employee any property other than what is authorized by law as a condition of continued employment;
- Acquired or divested a pecuniary interest in any property, transaction, or enterprise based on non-public information obtained by virtue of office; or
- Failed to deliver public records and property to a successor in office when that successor qualifies.
- Bribery (IC 35-44.1-1-2) — The school corporation and its public servants have not:
- Conferred, offered, or agreed to confer any property on a witness or informant in an official proceeding with intent to influence testimony or evidence;
- Conferred or offered any property to influence the casting of a ballot or voting for a political party, candidate, or public question in any election; or
- Engaged in any other conduct constituting bribery under Indiana law.
- Ghost Employment (IC 35-44.1-1-3) — The school corporation has not employed any person who accepts property from the entity without having been assigned duties to perform, or who accepts property for performance of duties unrelated to the operation of the entity.
- Conflict of Interest (IC 35-44.1-1-4) — The school corporation's public servants have not knowingly or intentionally used their positions to secure undue advantages or benefits in violation of Indiana conflict-of-interest statutes.
- Profiteering from Public Service (IC 35-44.1-1-5) — No person has obtained a pecuniary interest in a contract or purchase with the school corporation within one year after separation from employment in violation of Indiana law.
This acknowledgment is made in good faith based on the school corporation's review of its operations, financial management, and referendum processes. The governing body of IPS affirms that this referendum is being conducted in full compliance with Indiana law and for the lawful purpose of funding teacher and staff retention, professional development, and advancing academic programs and opportunities.
Date: October 2, 2026
Authorized by: Aleesia Johnson, Ed.D, Superintendent
School Corporation: Indianapolis Public Schools