Indianapolis Public Schools budget plan could include layoffs, salary freezes
The finance update outlines a plan for cutting nearly $21 million from the cash-strapped district’s $269 million general fund budget for 2018-19.
IPS
Articles
Indianapolis Public Schools sees upheaval in teaching ranks
The IPS district is seeing some of the effects of high school closings and budget woes on educators. Here’s a look at the latest numbers.
IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee withdraws as candidate for same job in Los Angeles
Ferebee said he made the call after discussing his options with his family, IPS board members and those handling the L.A. search process.
UPDATE: Indianapolis Public Schools’ Lewis Ferebee a finalist to lead Los Angeles schools
Ferebee has made a name for himself nationally by overhauling IPS, converting low-performing schools into “innovation schools” run by outside charter operators but still under the district’s umbrella.
Indianapolis Public Schools offers buyouts to up to 150 teachers
A minimum of 100 and a maximum of 150 educators would have to accept the offer for the district to go through with it. If 150 teachers accept the $20,000, the payouts could cost the district as much as $3 million.
Salesforce gives IPS $500K grant to boost tech-focused high school program
The money will fund laptops, desktop computers, wireless high-speed internet and other tech-related needs for a new academy opening at George Washington High School next fall.
Indianapolis turns up effort to lure more experienced teachers
It’s the newest effort by Indianapolis education leaders to build the pool of teachers at a time when many schools struggle to fill teaching vacancies and rely on temporary educators.
IPS has second chance to learn playbook, cram for referendum
The school district’s decision to postpone planned ballot measures for $725 million raises questions about why leadership couldn’t get it right the first time.
IPS delays tax-hike referendums to November after criticism
Indianapolis Public Schools is backing off on its plan to ask voters in May to support a major tax hike to pay for the city’s schools, instead deciding to work with the Indy Chamber to revise its proposal and delay the referendums until November.
IPS considers scheduling revamp, but families see practical problems
Students in Indianapolis’ largest district will likely start and end school at different times next year. But when it comes to choosing a new schedule, the district is facing tension.
Political Action Committee formed to back IPS tax-hike referendums
Local business and community leaders have formed a political action committee, named “Vote Yes for IPS,” to support the upcoming May 8 primary referendums.
Realtor group’s opposition a possible blow to school district’s tax-hike bid
A politically influential group representing real estate agents is taking the rare step of opposing Indianapolis Public Schools’ $725 million proposal to raise property taxes to increase school funding.
IPS reduces proposed extra-funding request by $211 million
District officials said they still expect to be able to give raises to teachers if the referendums pass.
IPS leaders could scale back their appeal for tax increases
The Indianapolis Public Schools board is likely consider a proposal next week that would reduce the district’s planned funding request. IPS officials have been planning to ask voters for up to $936 million over eight years.
State official criticizes IPS bid for almost $1B in additional tax dollars
A member of the Indiana State Board of Education said the district’s plan to ask voters this May to approve two referendums to increase funding has not been transparent. He also called the proposed tax increase way too high.
IPS approves new budget plan that ties funding to student needs
Indianapolis’ largest school district will only make a few changes to the rules that govern how much money schools get next year. But some schools, including those that serve many undocumented students, could get less money.
New enrollment system gets 3,500 applications
OneMatch is a web-based application process for IPS and 90 percent of Marion County charter schools.
IPS fields five bids for buying, revamping site on hot East 16th Street corridor
The 4.5-acre parcel just east of the Monon Trail received a high bid of $2.75 million. All of the proposals would mix commercial and housing development.
East 16th Street revival hits high gear
In the last three years or so, development along a roughly 20-block section of East 16th Street stretching from Pennsylvania Street east past the Monon Trail has exploded.
IPS board votes to ask taxpayers for $936 million in additional funding
District leaders said that in the face of declining state and federal funding, raising property taxes is the only tool IPS has to fund teacher raises, building maintenance, busing and quality special ed programs.