IPS board takes stand against bills that threaten district’s survival
House Bill 1136, the most extreme bill facing the district, would dissolve IPS and its elected school board and replace it with charter schools overseen by an appointed board.
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IPS enrollment falls by hundreds, with decline especially large at middle schools
The decline of roughly 800 students since last school year was driven almost entirely by falling middle school enrollment.
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Indianapolis Public Schools board denounces bill to dissolve district in shift to charters
The bill is the latest of several proposals that threaten the district’s viability.
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Indianapolis Public Schools considers renewal of six Innovation Network schools
The schools up for renewal this week served a total of roughly 3,900 students last year and show varying levels of increased, decreased, or stagnant test results in the years immediately preceding and following the pandemic.
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IPS seeking new suitors for John Marshall High School after city withdraws
The Department of Metropolitan Development quietly withdrew its offer to buy the building over the summer after determining needed improvements would make make the project a larger—and more expensive—challenge than anticipated.
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Articles
IPS begins demolition of Joyce Kilmer School 69 to make way for new Sidener Academy
Construction workers started demolition on the former School 69 building off of Keystone Avenue in the Meadows neighborhood on Monday, marking an end to the brick school building built in 1931.
IPS won’t allow ICE inside schools without a warrant
The message came after the Trump administration issued a new directive that allows ICE officers to arrest people in sensitive areas, including schools, churches, hospitals and childcare centers.
Indianapolis Public Schools would lose power over buildings, transportation in new bill
House Bill 1501 would create two boards to manage transportation and facilities for Indianapolis Public Schools starting in 2026, making these assets available for sharing with charter schools.
School districts, coalitions punch back at bill that would close their doors
A Republican-backed bill that could dissolve five Indiana school districts, including Indianapolis Public Schools, sparked backlash from advocates and district leaders who argue the legislation unfairly targets high-poverty and urban districts that primarily educate children of color.
Some IPS students leave for Washington Township following rocky Broad Ripple Middle School opening
More than 130 students have left Broad Ripple Middle School since its debut at the start of the school year. Some departing families cited poor communication and a chaotic environment. Some who stayed see significant improvements.
IPS board renews agreements with six Innovation Network schools
The 6-0 approval extends the district’s relationship with the schools—most of which are charters—until June 2030.
IPS board unofficial election results: Thompson, Thomas, Cosby poised to win
The unofficial election results bring two candidates to the board with the help of charter-friendly political action committees that funded mailers, canvassing, and other outreach efforts.
Future of John Marshall school building unclear after city withdraws offer to buy closed school
The city had planned to purchase the property from IPS for $725,000 as part of a project to transform the campus into an “Opportunity Hub” of social, community, and health services.
PAC money surges in heated race for IPS school board seats
The race for four seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools board could significantly reshape the board’s makeup, with more candidates who are critical of charter schools.
IPS school board candidate removed from ballot by election board
The Marion County Election Board voted to strike Terrencio Davis from the ballot for the District 2 seat because he does not live in the district.
Ex-Edison School chief fired over racial slur now leads Indianapolis charter school
Nathan Tuttle, who was previously executive director and CEO at Edison School of the Arts, started as the K-8 principal of Matchbook Learning on June 1.
Believe Circle City High School joins IPS Innovation Network
Believe Circle City is a college and career preparatory school on the north side of Indianapolis that enrolls about 200 students.
IPS makes volunteers pay for own background checks, frustrating some parents
On Facebook, parents said the new registration disadvantages families who are from lower income brackets, those who struggle to use technology, and those whose first language isn’t English.
IPS says it’s ready for state requirement to offer college credit, career training
Educators around the state have raised concerns that schools will not be able to find the staff, transportation, and workforce partners needed to implement the changes.
IPS cuts back tutoring as federal COVID aid expires
Tutoring programs last year appeared to spur academic gains for Indianapolis Public Schools, but the district is scaling them down as funding ends.
IPS hires new principal at School 87 after fallout from abuse allegations
In the wake of the video and the criticism from parents, IPS announced in April that it would create a Mental Health and School Culture Task Force, as well as a task force dedicated to student safety.
IU Indianapolis expands automatic admissions pilot to IPS charter high schools
The announcement on Thursday builds off of the groundbreaking program IU Indianapolis and IPS announced in September that grants automatic admission to seniors with a grade point average of at least 3.0.
School 87 parents demand accountability as board plans task force to review culture in IPS
The special task force approved by the board Thursday will be led by independent community leaders and mental health professionals, board member Hope Hampton told parents after their comments.
IPS plans to transfer school building to charter network in unique facilities deal
The school board will vote Thursday on a plan to transfer ownership of the Julian Coleman School 110 building to KIPP Indy.