IASP Advocacy Podcast 4.17.26
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This episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast addresses two major sources of confusion among Indiana school communities: changes to school board elections and the status of the state's new accountability model. Host Cindy Long clarifies that while school board races are now officially partisan, they no longer appear on the May primary ballot and instead will only be on the November general election ballot—creating a disconnect for voters used to seeing partisan races in primaries. Additionally, referendums are now restricted to November elections, which explains why funding requests aren't appearing on earlier ballots. On the accountability front, Long emphasizes that although the Indiana State Board of Education approved the new model on March 4, it is not yet in effect. The process still requires review by Attorney General Todd Rokita (deadline May 1) and final signature from the governor (expected around May 17). She stresses that schools are not currently receiving letter grades, and the upcoming 'year zero' fall 2026 will serve as a baseline without consequences. The model represents a significant evolution beyond past systems, incorporating student growth, readiness, and individual success metrics. Long underscores the critical role of school leaders as trusted voices in dispelling misinformation and providing clarity during periods of change.
School board elections are now partisan but only appear on the November general election ballot—no primary elections exist for them.
Referendums are now limited to November elections, which explains why funding requests may not appear on earlier ballots.
The new accountability model is approved but not yet in effect; it must pass Attorney General review and gubernatorial signature.
Schools will not receive letter grades until the 2026-2027 school year, with the first year serving as a baseline ('year zero') without consequences.
The new model includes individual student success metrics beyond test scores, representing a shift from past systems.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Introduction: Clarifying Confusion in Indiana School Leadership
Cindy Long introduces the episode, explaining that this week’s focus is on two areas of confusion—school board elections and the new accountability model—where school leaders can step in as trusted sources of clarity.
School Board Elections: Partisan but No Primary
“School board elections are now partisan, but no primary system exists for them.”
Referendums: Timing Shifts and Community Misunderstanding
Referendums are now limited to November elections, which explains why schools aren’t seeking funding earlier in the year. This change is a key reason for voter confusion.
Accountability Model: Approved, Not Yet In Effect
“Approved does not mean in effect. The rule has to complete the full process before it becomes operational.”
“Advocacy isn't always loud or controversial. Sometimes it's simply making sure the people around you understand what's true.”
“Approved does not mean in effect.”
“You as a school leader, you have the trusted voice.”
Host
Cindy Long
person
IASP
organization
Indiana State Board of Education
organization
fall 2026
other
Indiana Department of Education
organization
Todd Rokita
person
March 4
other
ILEARN
other
March 17
other
May 1
other
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