Indianapolis Public Schools laying off 163 workers
Indiana's largest school district is planning to lay off 163 workers, including 94 teachers, largely because of the state takeover of four schools starting this fall.
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IPS says it must cut $27 million from budget
The proposed cuts represent about 5 percent of Indianapolis Public Schools’ current budget. IPS Superintendent Eugene White will detail his spending-reduction plan on May 24 at the IPS’ central office building.
Following turnaround, charter school shoots for 4 more sites
After a near-death experience, the KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory School is back on its feet and looking to spawn a mini-district of charter schools. KIPP-Indy leaders have drawn up plans to launch four additional schools from 2014 to 2020.
Zionsville voters face lone area school-funding referendum
Zionsville’s school district is asking taxpayers to address a $2.5 million budget shortfall. Meanwhile, in Johnson County, voters will consider whether to help finance a $30 million project that includes the construction of a 70,000-square-foot library.
New charter school proposed for North Meridian Street
An Arizona charter school operator serving middle and high school students has filed plans to build a two-story school at Meridian and 22nd streets.
Performance considered in Indianapolis teacher layoffs
The planned layoff of about 80 teachers by Indianapolis Public Schools will be among the first under a new state law that allows teacher performance to be considered in deciding who will be let go.
Zionsville might pass on full-day kindergarten funds
Superintendent Scott Robison informally recommended in March that the school system take a pass on the new funding because it still does not fully cover the costs required to expand its kindergarten program from half days to full days.
Broker tied to ISTA insurance woes still tangling with state
David Karandos failed to make fine payments due March 1 and April 1, and Securities Commissioner Chris Naylor has ordered him to appear at a May hearing to make the case why “additional consequences” aren’t warranted.
Judge taps special prosecutor for Martinsville Schools probe
The exact nature of the probe is not clear. The appointment comes after the school district placed Jeff McGown, a Martinsville second-grade teacher and High School girls tennis coach, on administrative leave last week.
Ball State gives new life to Fountain Square charter
Fountain Square Academy, a charter middle and high school with about 270 students, will remain open after Ball State University decided to grant it a charter to continue operating after this school year.
IPS reform advocates seek school board shakeup
Some proponents of the Mind Trust plan to restructure Indianapolis Public Schools are looking to advance its key principles the old-fashioned way: by electing pro-reform members to the IPS board.
Supporters defend Indiana voucher law in court briefs
Striking down Indiana's school voucher program because some schools are affiliated with churches would amount to unnecessary government interference into religion, the law's supporters argue in court documents.
IPS issues rebuttal to Mind Trust’s reform plan
In an hour-long defense of Indianapolis Public Schools, Superintendent Eugene White outlined plans to streamline administrative staff, create more choices for parents, direct more resources to the district’s most challenged schools and give more autonomy to its highest performing schools.
New statewide exam to test students’ critical thinking
The test will replace the ISTEP exam currently taken by Indiana students in grades 3 through 11 and end-of-course assessments taken at the end of algebra 1 and English 10 classes.
Private schools raking in cash thanks to 2011 reform law
A generally overlooked part of the 2011 education reform package makes it clear donors to private schools can target their gifts to specific schools, a move that seems to have unleashed the tax credit’s full potential by helping private schools line up more donations.
Indiana to get $9.3 million for struggling public schools
Schools taking part in the federal funding must implement one of four intervention models to get their programs back on track and to boost students’ academic performance.
White wins no new job offers, will remain IPS chief
IPS superintendent Eugene White had been among the finalists for the top jobs at schools systems in Mobile, Ala., and in Greenville, S.C. But both districts chose this week to appoint internal candidates to lead their school systems.
IHSAA to make 11-stop tour to debate class system
Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Bobby Cox and state Sen. Mike Delph have announced an 11-stop statewide tour to discuss Indiana's class basketball system.
New standardized test could be tougher than ISTEP
State Superintendent Tony Bennett said the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, test in the 2014-2015 school year will be more difficult than the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress Plus exam.
State requires more superintendent disclosure
Indiana school superintendents will have to disclose more about their pay under a new state law.