$410M ballot request for IPS buildings creates list of questions
The referendum for capital expenses is part of the district’s Rebuilding Stronger reorganization. Here’s what you need to know.
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IPS to implement overhaul without new taxes for operating costs—for now
The overhaul approved in November reconfigures grades, closes six schools and expands specialized academic programs in an effort that officials say will create more great schools and prioritize equity.
IPS taps new operator for School 14, nixes Edison School of the Arts expansion
The unanimous vote to approve the Near Eastside Innovation School Corp. to run the school follows the district’s decision to drop Urban Act Academy—the charter operator that has run the school since 2018-19—from its Innovation Network.
Stalled tax plan to revive IPS pushes charters, district further apart
The district’s unique portfolio of charters and traditional public schools, created nearly a decade ago by IPS leaders and state lawmakers, has left both populations fighting for funding.
Edison School of the Arts staff, students call for resignation of executive director
Edison, one of the few Innovation schools in Indianapolis Public Schools not run by a charter operator, called a special meeting Tuesday after Executive Director Nathan Tuttle was accused of using a racial slur.
Attorney general finds Indianapolis Public Schools did not violate $1 law
The state law requires school districts to notify the state Department of Education if classroom buildings are left “vacant or unused.”
IPS moving ahead with part of Rebuilding Stronger plan
Indianapolis Public Schools plans to implement only part of its massive Rebuilding Stronger overhaul after the school board failed to place an operating referendum on the upcoming May ballot.
New partnership brings Harvard, UPenn classes to IPS students
IPS is the first district in the state to partner with the National Education Equity Lab to allow Crispus Attucks High School students to enroll in college-level courses at the country’s top universities.
IPS test scores rebound close to pre-pandemic levels, but far from 2025 goal
As students in grades 3-8 prepare to take the ILEARN again beginning in April, the district is focusing on tactics to continue its progress and reach that goal, with the help of federal COVID relief funding.
IPS delays vote on $400M operating referendum amid criticism from charters, biz group
The proposed operating referendum would provide $50 million annually over an eight-year period to expand student programs and increase teacher pay through the program.
Indy Chamber comes down against IPS tax increase as proposed
The business advocacy group questioned how the effort would improve academic performance and why students in the district’s Innovation charter schools wouldn’t receive an equal portion of the funding.
Indiana House GOP ‘exploring options’ to postpone school tax referendums, including for IPS
The move comes as Indianapolis Public Schools plan to introduce two ballot measures in May to increase taxes to support more than $800 million in capital and operating expenses. The district has said the additional money is critical to its reorganization plan.
New IPS board could oversee unprecedented era for charter supporters
The shift in the board’s makeup comes at a critical moment, right as the district implements its Rebuilding Stronger revitalization plan adopted unanimously by the board last year.
Charter school group files complaints against IPS with AG’s office over $1 law
The complaints claim that the school board failed to alert the state Department of Education of its available buildings slated for closure within 10 days of voting to close the schools on Nov. 17, as required by law.
These IPS school buildings set for upgrades if $410M capital referendum passes
If approved by voters, the referendum will authorize the district to issue bonds, which will yield an estimated $410 million for construction projects.
IPS board moves to put $410M for capital upgrades on ballot
Dozens of charter school parents and students packed the board room before the vote and called on the board to share more of the referendum money.
Indianapolis charter schools seek bigger share of proposed $824M in new taxes
Leaders from 52 charter schools argued that the annual amount from the tax proposal IPS has offered to share with its innovation network charters would still leave a big funding gap between charter students and those in the district’s traditional public schools.
IPS board passes Rebuilding Stronger plan to close schools, change grades
Indianapolis Public Schools will close six buildings and reconfigure elementary and middle school grades throughout the district following the school board’s approval of the plan Thursday night.
Hampton tops Phair in unofficial IPS election results
Hope Hampton, a small business owner who previously worked as a dean and school counselor, received endorsements and significant campaign donations from charter-friendly groups and their affiliated political action committees.
As Rebuilding Stronger nears, some Indianapolis educators see disruption ahead
Potential stipends as high as $10,000 might not be enough to stave off a significant number of teacher departures.