Union Schools Secures First Victory in Lawsuit Against Indiana

Union Schools in Modoc, Indiana, has secured its first victory in a court battle to stay open beyond the coming school year. The district's lawsuit against the state government, Governor Mike Braun, and Education Secretary Katie Jenner claims that Senate Enrolled Act 1 is unconstitutional in calling for the school district to be closed.

Jama Marlow, who has taught at Union Schools for 30 years, said, "If you were to take blood, it would be blue." The property tax overhaul bill passed in the Indiana legislature with a last-minute amendment that could close down the district in 2027, a move that educators say has not been made since the 1970s.

"It really was a cloud hovering over us of the unknown," Marlow said. The uncertainty was compounded by the fact that the amendment prevented the district from taking on new financial obligations starting July 1, essentially closing down the school this year.

In court, the judge interpreted the law as saying it would not prevent the district from giving out new contracts for the upcoming year, keeping the doors open. Marlow said, "This is a major relief to us."

Despite this victory, Union Schools' fight against the law is far from over. The district will continue to challenge the constitutionality of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

Superintendent Galen Mast said that the community has come together in support of the school, with people wearing "Union Strong" T-shirts. He said, "Pressure on coal causes diamonds, and so that's what's happened with our community. There's not been fractures. It has brought people together." The district views its fight as one for the future of their community and for the students who would attend school there.

Mast said, "It would close down our communities is what happens, because when you've got a school you've got businesses." Marlow added, "The fight is not only just for Union. It's for all the small schools across Indiana."