Indiana lawmakers move to tighten rules on $1 school building sales to charters |
An Indiana state Senate bill could significantly speed up the transfer of unused public school buildings to charter schools under the state’s so-called $1 law, while penalizing school districts that delay the process. Senate Bill 239, which has passed the Senate and is now before the House education committee, would shorten timelines, impose potential legal costs on districts that unsuccessfully appeal, and allow damages of up to $10,000 per day for late transfers. The bill strengthens existing requirements that districts first offer vacant or unused buildings to charter schools or state educational institutions for $1 per year before selling them on the open market. It also expands what must be transferred to include furniture, equipment, and maintenance assets, a provision that has raised concerns among school boards about losing property still used for community or athletic purposes. Supporters, including charter school leaders, say the measure levels the playing field by giving charters clearer and faster access to facilities, since they do not receive the same capital funding as traditional districts. Critics, including some South Bend school board members, argue it risks handing taxpayer-funded assets to charters with little compensation and could allow buildings to later be sold at market value.
