U.S. Education secretary says Indy’s ‘innovation schools’ should be national model
Betsy DeVos shouted out School 15 in a speech Monday, calling it “an example of new thinking.”
Education & Workforce Development
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Well-regarded Herron High School seeks to strengthen ties with IPS
Joining the IPS innovation network would give Herron access to additional funding, but it would retain most of its independence. Herron’s head of school said the move "will not impact students in any way."
Indiana lawmakers weigh banning so-called sanctuary campuses
A bill stipulates that colleges or universities violating the ban would risk having funds withheld by the state’s budget agency. A court could also block a sanctuary policy if a lawsuit is brought.
March Madness betting likely to top $10B, but don’t tell NCAA
Although bracket contests and the money wagered on them have driven the tournament’s popularity for decades, the NCAA takes pains not to condone gambling or filling out brackets for anything more than fun.
Indy Reads cuts longtime program director in budget-trimming effort
Former executive director Travis DiNicola described the decision as “very concerning” and posted on Facebook that he questions the future of the not-for-profit literacy group.
How Butler made its bulldog a marketing dynamo
Butler is one of just 58 U.S. colleges with a live mascot, and the bulldog is quickly approaching the top echelon, based on its fame and effectiveness as a goodwill ambassador for the school.
Embattled businessman Eyler files for bankruptcy
The filing follows a wave of lawsuits filed against Gary Eyler in connection with the collapse of The College Network, a company he founded in 1995 that provided online test-prep materials for college entrance exams.
Eyler misses deposition, adding to furor over test-prep firm
Tennessee-based Southeast Financial Credit Union sued Eyler and others in 2015, charging they fraudulently restructured the business to thwart creditors and owe more than $13 million on defaulted loans.
House advances bill for offering 401(k)-style retirement plan to new teachers
The plan would be offered to teachers as an alternative to the current pension-style plan. Some fear the state eventually could try to phase out the latter.
GOP divisions emerge as Senate passes pre-K funding plan
Republicans who control the Statehouse are deeply divided on how—or if—Indiana should move forward on a proposed expansion of a state-funded preschool program for low-income children.
Mind Trust lands another $7.2 million from Lilly Endowment
The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit that promotes education reform, will use the funds to support Innovation Network Schools and recruit school leaders.
IPS likely to ask taxpayers for property-tax increase
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee said he believes the district will “absolutely” need to have a referendum for more funding to pay teachers at the current rate and potentially increase pay in the future.
ITT trustee hires ‘feared’ litigators
The bankruptcy trustee for ITT Educational Services has recruited some big hitters to help with investigating and prosecuting claims against the school’s former directors and officers.
College endowments suffer ‘lost decade’
Officials overseeing endowments at some of Indiana’s colleges and universities have cut back on spending, or are considering doing so, after struggling to grow their funds over the past decade.
House passes bill that could give voucher schools a reprieve
State law currently bars charters that receive bad marks from taking on new students through the state's voucher program
Indiana Senate panel slashes pre-K funding proposal
The GOP-dominated Senate Appropriations Committee endorsed a move Thursday to sharply curtail the governor’s modest request for $10 million a year in additional funding.
House panel supports plans to loosen voucher restrictions
Indiana, already a state with one of the most robust taxpayer-funded voucher programs in the country, has made small steps toward broadening the program.
Indiana House approves ISTEP-replacement measure
The Indiana House has approved a bill that would require students in grades 3 through 8 to complete the new assessment by the 2018-19 school year.
Indiana Senate votes down bill to appoint schools chief
The Indiana Senate unexpectedly shot down a bill on Monday that would have made the role of state superintendent of public instruction an appointed rather than elected position.
Many public universities now using private planes
At Ohio State University, football coach Urban Meyer and members of his family took 11 personal trips last school year at a cost to the university of $120,000. Purdue University flew an alumnus from Rhode Island for $15,000.