IPS expanding virtual tutoring at low-performing schools
Virtual tutoring is the latest addition to a suite of tutoring efforts the district is launching to address academic declines after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Shuffling grades, closing school buildings: IPS proposes sweeping changes
The future of Indianapolis Public Schools has come into clearer focus after district officials outlined five potential solutions to the district’s financial challenges, including merging small schools and reconfiguring middle school grades.
Here’s how IPS has spent its federal pandemic funding so far
Indianapolis Public Schools has spent around 10% of its $213.5 million in federal COVID-19 funding to date. That figure is low compared to other districts in Indiana and across the country, but IPS officials are preparing to spend the full allocation.
IPS teachers might miss out on bonuses after quarantining for COVID
Indianapolis Public Schools offered retention bonuses in late March to 3,200 eligible staff members, but they came with an attendance requirement that staff couldn’t take more than two sick days for the remainder of the semester.
IPS plans large-scale solar project with Carmel-based firm
The district says the project initially would place solar panel arrays on 20 schools and eventually save tens of millions of dollars in energy costs.
IPS officials study possibility of merging some smaller schools
Whether a student can play a sport, study advanced math, or sing in a choir varies widely by where they attend school, Indianapolis Public School officials said at the latest in a series of meetings that raise the possibility of closing some schools.
Purdue Poly seeks deal to use Broad Ripple High School for one year
Indianapolis Public Schools is considering letting Purdue Polytechnic High School North temporarily use part of the building while the charter school’s permanent home is under construction.
IPS to spend $15M on retention bonuses, more flexibility for teachers
Indianapolis Public Schools plans to spend federal emergency funds on cash bonuses to reward staff who stay with the district, officials announced last week.
‘Everything is on the table’ as IPS addresses enrollment decline, too many schools
The fiscal pressures raise the question of whether district leaders will consider closing schools—an option used recently to address a shrinking enrollment of secondary grades.
IPS likely to close Joyce Kilmer School 69 after losing innovation charter partner
Kindezi Academy, the charter operator that revamped the school in 2016, announced Friday that it would end its partnership with IPS and shut down operations in June due to low student outcomes and facility issues.
IPS considers new charter partner to run struggling west-side school
School 42, a small K-6 school, has faced years of declining achievement that ultimately led IPS to decline to renew a contract with Ignite, its current operator.
IPS offers teacher apprenticeship, principal residency to attract educators of color
Like many other school districts, IPS wants to diversify its teaching staff to be more representative of the students they serve.
IPS hopes to turn former high school into community hub
The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners approved a plan Thursday to sell the John Marshall school building to a yet to be determined not-for-profit organization for $725,000.
Indianapolis schools get boost from $30M federal neighborhood grant
Announced Tuesday, the $30 million Promise Neighborhood grant will boost local efforts in the Near Eastside and Martindale-Brightwood communities to address poverty and improve education and community support systems.
Indianapolis Public Schools latest district to join vaping suit
The 2018 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than one-third of Indiana high school students had used a Juul product.
Seven of 10 IPS staffers report receiving COVID vaccinations
The vaccination rate is higher among teachers and principals—more than 80%—and lower among classified staff such as custodians and food service workers, said Superintendent Aleesia Johnson.
IPS’ plan to share tax funds with charters draws legal question
The IPS board is scheduled to vote Thursday on a plan to give $5 million per year to charter partners from the district’s 2018 operating referendum.
IPS could share $5M in referendum funds with innovation schools
Responding to urging from families and other advocates, Indianapolis Public Schools is proposing to share $5 million per year from a recent tax measure with its charter school partners.
Indianapolis Public Schools to raise starting salary for teachers to $50,400
The hike is part of a two-year union contract approved Thursday that will give an average 3% raise for teachers this school year and another 3% next year.
IPS enrollment rises as missing kindergartners return
Enrollment trends will drive crucial upcoming decisions on the future of the district, such as considering potential school closures, evaluating choice programs, and adding charter school partnerships.