January 5, 2026 View this email in a browser »

Chalkbeat's journalism is made possible by our sponsors.
Interested in becoming one? Reach out here.

Good morning, and happy first Monday of 2026 from MJ at Chalkbeat Indiana!

Today, we’re kicking things off with legislative updates from Aleks: The 2026 session gets going full steam this week, with bill filing deadlines on Wednesday in the House and Friday in the Senate. We’re expecting the first of only a handful of education committee meetings on Wednesday as well.

Our bill tracker is updated as of Friday and includes some of the newest proposals to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments and to make the naturalization exam part of graduation requirements. We’ll keep updating that weekly on Fridays.

What do you want to read in 2026? Tell our team: in.tips@chalkbeat.org

P.S. Are you signed up for texts from Aleks with education updates from the legislative session? If not, learn more and sign up here.

Local News

Education bill tracker: What bills are moving through the Statehouse as the session comes to an end?

A bill to limit minors’ social media use and cut low-earning degrees is going to negotiations where lawmakers draft a final version.

Around Chalkbeat

Mamdani taps a new chancellor and changes course on mayoral control

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani taps Manhattan Superintendent Kamar Samuels as his new schools chancellor and said he wants to reform mayoral control rather than end it.


What We're Reading

How was today's newsletter? Take 3 minutes to let us know.

Jobs Board

Rocky Mountain Prep
Rocky Mountain Prep
Rocky Mountain Prep
Intrepid College Prep Schools
Legacy Fellowship
Want thousands of Chalkbeat readers to see your job opening?
Check out jobs.chalkbeat.org.

Upcoming Events

March 26

9th Grade Success Showcase @ George Washington HS (Indianapolis)

April 1

From Retention to Acceleration: Indiana April MTSS Spotlight Series

April 17

Rural Education Summit

April 17

Indianapolis Peace Walk

June 20

For Teachers, By Teachers Conference

Want Chalkbeat readers at your next event?
Check out events.chalkbeat.org.
Linked In Logo Instagram Logo Facebook Logo Twitter Logo

Do you use Google to find news on schools?

Add Chalkbeat as a preferred source to make sure you see the latest from us.

Did you receive this email from a friend?

Sign up to receive Chalkbeat newsletters.

Have a question or a tip for our journalists?

You can reach us at chalkbeat.org/contact.

Civic News Company Donate