Elect Joshua Brant

Where We Are: The current state of Indiana’s education system is abysmal. Rankings vary from source to source, but Indiana typically falls in the bottom half and falling (with at least one source putting us as low as 43rd in the nation). School Corporations all over the state are reporting funding shortfalls, Hoosier schools are closing down to consolidate students just to make ends meet, and there’s a teacher shortage because legislators in the State House seem to think that educators don’t deserve a fair wage while simultaneously requiring more & more from them. While Indiana lawmakers continue to focus on cutting costs over building a better system, it is our children that are suffering the consequences.

FY 2026, IN budgeted $9.4 Billion out of our $23 Billion General Fund (40.87%)*
FY 2027, IN budgeted $9.7 Billion out of our $23.2 Billion General Fund (41.81%)*

FY 2026, IN budgeted $10.8 Billion out of our $53.5 Billion Total Budget (20.19%)*
FY 2027, IN budgeted $11.1 Billion out of our $54.7 Billion Total Budget (20.29%)* *Including Voucher System

Where We Want To Be: I agree with the idea that you can’t fix most things by just throwing money at it, but as far as tax revenue goes, education is one of the worthiest investments a state can make. It is the foundation for the progression of any civilization. We rely on the generations-to-come in order to usher in the future and improve upon society through the ages. This is why our education system deserves our most fervent support. I want to lead Indiana to the top of the rankings, and I want Indiana to be a leader in education.

1. Core funding framework

Goal: Fully fund K-12 operations at the state level, stabilize schools, and cut property taxes without cutting other programs or raising tax rates.

Key Components:

• State covers 100% of K-12 operational costs
  • Salaries, benefits, utilities, transportation operations, maintenance, admin, tech, classroom materials.
  • Local property taxes no longer fund the Operations Fund.
• Local property taxes limited to:
  • Debt service (bonds for buildings)
  • Capital projects (HVAC, roofs, security, expansions)
  • Bus replacement
  • Voter‑approved referenda (if communities want extras)
• State funding minimums in statute:
  • At least 50% of the General Fund dedicated to K-12 education.
  • At least 20% of the total state budget dedicated to K-12 education.
• Stricter guidelines on the issuance of bonds by School Corporations.
• Streamline Emergency Relief Funds for publicly funded schools facing financial hardships, but couple that with a financial audit and required corrective actions.

2. Teacher Pay and Classroom Support

Teacher Stability & Respect Package:

• Statewide minimum teacher salary: $50,000
  • Lift the floor, especially for early‑career and rural teachers.
  • Paid from the expanded Education Fund; not local referenda.
• Annual classroom expense accounts for every teacher
  • $1,000-$2,000 per teacher per year.
  • Ends the “teachers buying supplies out of pocket” nonsense.
  • Administered simply: Per‑teacher allocation from the state.
• Both fit comfortably inside the headroom created by moving to 50% of the General Fund and 20% of the total budget, especially with a phased rollout.
• Stronger behavioral support so teachers can focus on teaching.
• Safeguards for long-term employment security and the responsible integration of technologies.

3. Vouchers and School Choice

• Create website to help people who want to start a charter school.
• Establish a formula for determining a fiscally responsible payout cap for vouchers when a viable public alternative is closer in proximity and has the capacity for more students:
  • For Private Schools: Payout Cap = 25% of (Total State Tax Liability of the Parents or Guardians that live within the State of Indiana) + 30% of (Total Property Tax Liability of the Parents or Guardians that live within the State of Indiana)
  • For Charter Schools: Payout Cap = 50% of (Total State Tax Liability of the Parents or Guardians that live within the State of Indiana) + 30% of (Total Property Tax Liability of the Parents or Guardians that live within the State of Indiana)
• Expand Vouchers for use in state-licensed daycares and preschools.
• Create a distinct line item for:
  • Vouchers (Choice Scholarships)
  • ESAs
  • Charter/innovation network grants

Perspective:

• We’re making education spending fully transparent so Hoosiers can see exactly what we spend on public schools, charters, and private‑school choice.
• It’s not about stopping vouchers from receiving funding. It’s about clarity, accountability, and modernization.
• This protects public schools from the “they’re stealing your money” narrative and protects vouchers from being blamed for every public-school problem.

4. Phasing and “No Cuts” Guarantee

Phase‑in over 3-6 years:

• Use natural revenue growth (3-4% per year) to grow into:
  • 100% state‑funded operations
  • 50% of the General Fund
  • 20% of the total budget
  • Teacher minimum + classroom expense accounts

Key promise:

• No cuts to other state programs.
• No tax rate increases.
• Property taxes drop as Operations Fund levies go away.
• Referenda become optional; not survival tools.

5. Agriculture Curriculum

• Add age-appropriate agricultural activities or lessons into each grade level to generate interest and knowledge in agriculture.

6. How the Public Wins

1. Cuts property taxes by moving school operating costs to the state.
2. Guarantees every teacher at least $50,000 and a classroom budget so they’re not buying supplies out-of-pocket.
3. Locks in minimum education funding in state law so schools stop living referendum to referendum; and we do it without raising taxes.