Indiana judge strikes down law to close Union School Corp

A judge has ruled in favor of the Union School Corporation, striking down a state law that mandated the closure of the rural school district by July 2027. The ruling, issued via summary judgment in Randolph Superior Court, declared Amendment 45 of Senate Enrolled Act 1 unconstitutional.

District leaders had sued the State of Indiana and Governor Mike Braun, arguing that lawmakers violated the Indiana Constitution by including the district's dissolution as an amendment to a property tax bill without holding a public hearing. The district, based in Modoc, serves approximately 300 students in person across Henry and Randolph counties, while providing virtual instruction to thousands more through the Indiana Digital Learning School.

School officials and the Indiana State Teachers Association expressed relief following the decision, noting the importance of rural schools to their communities. The legal challenge began in May 2025 shortly after the legislation was passed.