State lawmakers add voucher access to preschool expansion bill
The voucher language has injected some controversy into a bill that has received bipartisan support.
school funding
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Holcomb’s budget plan modestly boosts funding for Indiana schools
Democrats say it’s not enough, particularly in its failure to expand state-funded preschool to more counties.
Preschool advocates urge ‘aggressive’ action from lukewarm lawmakers
Preschool advocates want the Indiana Legislature to spend $50 million a year to expand the state’s pilot program. So far, lawmakers seem cool to that idea.
Tindley Schools network taps former principal for CEO job
Kelli Marshall will permanently replace Marcus Robinson, who resigned earlier this year after questions about the financial state of the network and his lavish spending as CEO.
Indiana senators worry about cost of expanding preschool
Although Indiana’s House leadership has already come out strongly in support of expanding the state’s preschool program, key players in the Senate said Wednesday that they remain skeptical about added costs.
School referendums are passing at higher rates than before
It was a banner year for school referendums across Indiana, with all but three of the 20 ballot questions in this year’s primary and general elections turning out successfully for the districts.
Indy charter school struggling with unexpectedly low enrollment
Ace Preparatory Academy, started by an aide to former Indiana schools superintendent Tony Bennett, is at about 22 percent of its initial expected enrollment, with just 33 students as of Oct. 19.
Washington Township district warns of staff cuts if voters don’t choose tax hike
If the school district’s ballot measures worth $230 million pass, the district says it will upgrade technology, renovate existing schools and build a new elementary school.
IPS revamps budget to better fund schools with poor students, key grade levels
The new system is also meant to give school-level administrators more autonomy to develop programs and find efficiencies.
Hamilton County school district switches to solar power
Sheridan Community Schools, a small district of about 1,000 students, expects to save millions of dollars in power costs over 20 years with the move.
Advocates launch lobbying effort to expand state preschool
Advocates want to see Indiana children from families earning up to at least 200 percent of the federal poverty line have access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
Mind Trust gives Tindley network consulting, recruitment help
Indianapolis’ cash-strapped homegrown charter school network Tindley Accelerated Schools is getting a boost from one of the city’s most ardent school choice supporters.
Washington Township residents weigh tax increase for schools
The district is hoping to raise $185 million for construction and $6.5 million for its general fund, which covers day-to-day expenses.
Senate report: Illegal immigration costs state $131M
The study factored in K-12 education, health care and incarceration costs. But advocates say undocumented immigrants also add to the economy by paying taxes and purchasing goods.
Cash-strapped Tindley sued over staffing agency fee
Pinnacle Partners Inc. has sued the charter school operator for allegedly failing to pay its $15,000 finder’s fee for placing a staff accountant. Tindley recently missed ambitious enrollment targets, creating a cash crunch.
Charters awarded $40M in loans from controversial state program
Indiana’s State Board of Education on Friday said it had received requests for a total of $77M in loans from 33 charter schools, exceeding the funding approved for the $50M program.
Senate panel proposes phase-in of school-funding shifts
Indiana Senate budget leaders are proposing that changes to local school funding be phased in so that cuts faced by some urban and rural districts with shrinking enrollments will be easier to manage.
NFP of NOTE: Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation
Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation serves IPS students by working to ensure the highest-quality learning environment.
Ballard proposes $50M preschool program as part of crime initiative
Mayor Greg Ballard on Wednesday proposed a 5-year program to pay for preschool for 4-year-olds from low-income families. He also floated hiring another 280 police officers. The cost to the average household would be $86 per year.
Westfield schools ask city for $2.5M to speed development
Westfield-Washington Schools is asking the city to help pay for a new football stadium to accelerate construction and make way for what’s being described as a $40 million-plus commercial development at U.S. 31 and State Road 32.