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.
IPS
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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.
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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.
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Indianapolis Public Schools considers renewal of six Innovation Network schools
The schools up for renewal this week served a total of roughly 3,900 students last year and show varying levels of increased, decreased, or stagnant test results in the years immediately preceding and following the pandemic.
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IPS seeking new suitors for John Marshall High School after city withdraws
The Department of Metropolitan Development quietly withdrew its offer to buy the building over the summer after determining needed improvements would make make the project a larger—and more expensive—challenge than anticipated.
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New lawsuit filed against former IPS teacher accused of encouraging ‘fight club’ in classroom
The new suit from the parent of a 6-year-old accuses the former teacher of encouraging and recording videos of students fighting or being beaten by other students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some IPS students leave for Washington Township following rocky Broad Ripple Middle School opening
More than 130 students have left Broad Ripple Middle School since its debut at the start of the school year. Some departing families cited poor communication and a chaotic environment. Some who stayed see significant improvements.
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.
IPS board unofficial election results: Thompson, Thomas, Cosby poised to win
The unofficial election results bring two candidates to the board with the help of charter-friendly political action committees that funded mailers, canvassing, and other outreach efforts.
Future of John Marshall school building unclear after city withdraws offer to buy closed school
The city had planned to purchase the property from IPS for $725,000 as part of a project to transform the campus into an “Opportunity Hub” of social, community, and health services.
PAC money surges in heated race for IPS school board seats
The race for four seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools board could significantly reshape the board’s makeup, with more candidates who are critical of charter schools.