State charter board OKs merger of 2 Indianapolis schools, backs new microschool network
Leaders hope the merger of Ace Prep and Circle City Prep will bring financial stability to a small school with a strong academic track record.
Amelia Pak-Harvey, Chalkbeat Indiana
Articles
Charter schools score big funding wins, including new property tax sharing law
Most funding increases for Indiana charter schools won’t take place until 2028, when state law mandates that districts must begin sharing property taxes used for operating expenses.
Edison School of the Arts, ex-CEO settle lawsuit tied to firing, racial slur claims
The former CEO of Edison School of the Arts, who sued the school over defamation after his termination in 2023, has reached a deal with the school to receive a judgment of about $269,000 in his favor.
Do charter schools perform better than IPS schools? Here’s what studies, test results show.
The question of whether charter schools perform better academically than traditional IPS schools is a key focus of debates about funding and educational success.
Parties agree to dismiss ‘fight club’ lawsuit alleging former IPS teacher encouraged abuse
The lawsuit prompted concern and outrage from parents about the district’s response to longstanding culture issues and a lack of communication.
IPS, other school districts move to e-learning Monday as staff protest potential school cuts
Several Indiana schools announced closings or online learning days Monday because many staff members plan to attend a Day of Action at the Indiana Statehouse.
Lawmakers alter proposed advisory group on IPS and charter schools
Under the bill that advanced Wednesday, the group will develop a plan for the collaborative use of transportation and facilities between IPS and charter schools within IPS boundaries.
Revised property tax reform bill would limit proposed revenue sharing for Indiana charter schools
The revised property tax reform bill would reduce the number of revenue sources that school districts would need to share with charters, as proposed in separate legislation.
Indianapolis teachers union wants freeze on new charter contracts, but some parents disagree
The Indianapolis Education Association delivered a petition to the school board on Thursday to enact a moratorium on any new agreements with charter schools.
IPS board passes $472M operating budget amid uncertainty over state funding
The district’s finances face heightened uncertainty as Indiana lawmakers advance bills that cap property tax revenue and require IPS to share local property tax revenue with charter schools.
Former CEO of Tindley charter schools admits to defrauding network of nearly $1M
Brian Metcalf, who led the charter network from July 2019 through December 2022, pleaded guilty to two of the nine counts of wire fraud outlined in an indictment filed in 2023.
IPS calls for moratorium on new schools as lawmakers advance bill on sharing tax revenue
Indiana lawmakers are advancing a bill to force the district to share property tax revenue with charter schools. While charter advocates support the change, IPS worries about creating an unsustainable system.
Lawsuits allege culture of violence left 2 Perry Township Schools students with head injuries
The lawsuits argue that a culture of unchecked student violence exists throughout the district.
Virtual school officials used money for students on political donations instead, prosecutors say
Leaders of the Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy face both federal and state cases in which they’re accused of defrauding the state of millions of dollars.
IPS board takes stand against bills that threaten district’s survival
House Bill 1136, the most extreme bill facing the district, would dissolve IPS and its elected school board and replace it with charter schools overseen by an appointed board.
IPS begins demolition of Joyce Kilmer School 69 to make way for new Sidener Academy
Construction workers started demolition on the former School 69 building off of Keystone Avenue in the Meadows neighborhood on Monday, marking an end to the brick school building built in 1931.
Indianapolis Public Schools would lose power over buildings, transportation in new bill
House Bill 1501 would create two boards to manage transportation and facilities for Indianapolis Public Schools starting in 2026, making these assets available for sharing with charter schools.
IPS enrollment falls by hundreds, with decline especially large at middle schools
The decline of roughly 800 students since last school year was driven almost entirely by falling middle school enrollment.
Indianapolis Public Schools board denounces bill to dissolve district in shift to charters
The bill is the latest of several proposals that threaten the district’s viability.
IPS board renews agreements with six Innovation Network schools
The 6-0 approval extends the district’s relationship with the schools—most of which are charters—until June 2030.