Two influential groups with strong ties to the charter school movement have both endorsed Hope Hampton over Kristen Elizabeth Phair in the sole Indianapolis Public Schools school board race that’s contested this year.
The bonuses were meant to help the district as it struggled to retain staff during the pandemic. They are being funded with $14 million in federal COVID relief.
Applications for both schools are due in September. The Indianapolis Charter School Board will decide whether to grant charters for the schools during a public hearing in November.
Ignite Achievement Academy came to and left Indianapolis Public Schools within four years under challenging circumstances. Yet, the mayor’s Office of Education and Innovation has allowed the school to continue operating as an independent charter school under a new name.
The fate of more than 60 district schools may be determined in the coming weeks, as IPS grapples with declining enrollment in its traditional neighborhood schools.
The story of Purdue Polytechnic High School’s growth coincides with the story of IPS’ shrinking enrollment.
