Obscure state law could shake up the race for the IPS board
Less than two weeks before the election for Indianapolis Public Schools board, a little-known law could throw a wrench in the race for one candidate.
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Teachers union spends big on Indianapolis Public Schools in election
The political arm of Indiana’s largest teachers union is spending heavily on some of the candidates vying for seats on the board this November in the Indianapolis Public Schools board election.
Indiana ISTEP scores remain flat overall, but gaps grow for minority groups
Only half of the state’s elementary and middle school students passed both English and math exams in 2018, but the results released Wednesday were worse for students of color.
UPDATE: Indiana schools chief rules out running for another term
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick attributed the decision to a “governance structure” that is getting in the way of doing “what’s best for kids.”
IPS, Indy Chamber outline unconventional 3-year partnership to cut spending
The staff members and consultants would help the district implement some of the chambers’ broad recommendations for hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts in the coming years, including possible school closures, reduced transportation, and staff reductions.
Race on for Indianapolis Public Schools to get voters to OK tax hikes
With less than two months until Election Day, the effort to pass two referendums to increase funding for Indianapolis Public Schools is gaining momentum.
Purdue Polytechnic eliminates Broad Ripple High School from site search
Purdue Polytechnic High School on Friday announced it was no longer considering the former Broad Ripple High School building as a site for its second Indianapolis location.
Grading problems delay release of 2018 ISTEP results
It is unclear when test results will be released. Results had been expected to be made public next week.
IPS starts process of finding new uses for Broad Ripple, John Marshall high schools
IPS is first seeking potential “civic and public uses” for the schools. But it also plans to study other opportunities, such as residential, retail or commercial opportunities.
With common enrollment, IPS magnet schools land 1,000 more applications
A new application system that allowed families to apply to many schools through a single website dramatically increased the number of students seeking spots in Indianapolis Public Schools magnet programs.
IPS’ big ask: What a $220 million referendum means for the district and its taxpayers
The district says that, to keep its main priority on the table—raising money for salary increases for teachers and staff—it made tradeoffs that could leave it financially vulnerable down the road.
Educator Eugene White to retire as president of Martin University
White, a former superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, was hired in 2013 to put the university on surer footing. The black liberal arts college on the city’s east side had seen a string of presidents come and go since the retirement of its co-founder in 2007.
Key lawmakers urge IPS to lease Broad Ripple High School to charter school
In a letter to Superintendent Lewis Ferebee and the IPS board, nine lawmakers urged the district to quickly accept a verbal offer to lease the building for up to $8 million.
Indianapolis schools land $7.5 million to fight drug abuse
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation announced Tuesday that it would give $7.5 million in grants to 24 Marion County schools and districts to help fund substance-use prevention.
Campaign for IPS referendums gets a $100K boost from advocacy group
Stand for Children Indiana will also launch a vast door-knocking campaign in support of two referendums requesting an extra $272 million from taxpayers, the group announced Thursday.
Gary Schools gets bid for just one of 33 former school properties
The emergency manager who oversees the financially struggling Gary school district put 33 closed schools up for sale, but only one property received interest.
Even as IPS plans big cuts, construction of new buildings still possible
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee, who has made reducing the real estate owned by the district a cornerstone of his administration, mentioned the possibility of constructing new buildings during a media briefing this week.
UPDATE: Indianapolis Public Schools again scales back referendum to win chamber support
The new proposal—which comes after a week of intense negotiations between the district and the chamber—passed 5-0 at a meeting Tuesday night.
Memory Bank: Running the presses
This photo, taken in 1915, shows students operating printing presses at Arsenal Technical High School.
Noblesville district seeks tax hike to fund more security at schools
Noblesville Schools announced Tuesday that it wants to expand its operating referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot. The hike would bring in an additional $50 million over eight years while doubling taxes under the current referendum.