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.
Education & Workforce Development
Articles
Bill to bring back A-F grades for Indiana schools passes committee
School grades have been effectively suspended since 2018, when Indiana shifted from ISTEP to a new state standardized test and later grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Former Beech Grove grocery site likely to become home to plumbing trade school
The property was occupied by a Marsh Supermarkets store from 1960 to 2017 and then a Safeway from 2017 until about 2020.
IPS won’t allow ICE inside schools without a warrant
The message came after the Trump administration issued a new directive that allows ICE officers to arrest people in sensitive areas, including schools, churches, hospitals and childcare centers.
Committee unanimously supports bill to streamline Indiana’s child care licensing process
The bill would allow single-owner child care companies or nonprofits, like YMCAs, to open multiple locations under one license.
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.
Purdue unveils first plans for $187M Academic Success Building in Indianapolis
Purdue University’s new multi-use building planned for the northwest corner of Michigan and West streets in Indianapolis is expected to rise 15 stories and open in 2027.
School districts, coalitions punch back at bill that would close their doors
A Republican-backed bill that could dissolve five Indiana school districts, including Indianapolis Public Schools, sparked backlash from advocates and district leaders who argue the legislation unfairly targets high-poverty and urban districts that primarily educate children of color.
Third basketball player joins suit against IU, alleging sexual abuse by former team doctor
The lawsuit has been expanded to bring claims for alleged federal constitutional violations against Indiana University’s long-time head trainer for the men’s basketball program.
Minority college enrollment steady in Indiana despite ruling that ended race-conscious admissions
Experts say it will likely take a few years before the impacts of the Supreme Court decision fully shake out, especially given other factors that could have affected enrollment this year, like the shaky rollout of a new federal aid platform.
Power Four seek more control over NCAA policies, including running championship events
The proposal, described as a “working document” ahead of next week’s NCAA convention, would grant the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference rights to manage postseason championships such as the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Commerce chief David Rosenberg to lead IU biosciences accelerator in Indy
Known as IU LAB and supported by a $138 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences will be based at the 16 Tech Innovation District.
Indiana Chamber cautions against placing property tax burden on business
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce laid out its legislative priorities Thursday, which also include quality-of-life measures to benefit the state’s workforce.
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.
State lawmakers to debate slew of education-related proposals
Recent budget plans earmarked roughly half of the state’s $44.5 billion biennial spending for K-12 education.
Musk, Trump at odds with some on right over H-1B visas
As Trump previews a hard-line immigration policy including militarized mass deportation of illegal immigrants, many in the tech industry are pushing him to expand legal immigration for high-skilled workers.
Indiana lawmakers face tough decisions on education funding
Many of the priorities related to K-12 that Republican leaders outlined for next year, like expanding school vouchers and limiting property tax hikes, come with a price tag.
Q&A with First Internet Bank’s David Becker on apprenticeships as workforce training
Becker expects the bank’s apprenticeship program will gain momentum when changes to the high school diploma take effect, beginning with the class of 2029 (current eighth-graders).
Purdue, Sports Tech HQ joining forces to help startups, create career opportunities
Purdue can offer research and technical expertise that sports tech companies may need as they develop their products. Likewise, these companies may create internships and job opportunities for Purdue students and graduates.