Pence proposes move to strip Ritz of oversight
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is setting up a showdown with Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz as part of a push for an overhaul of Indiana's education system.
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Teachers to receive $30 million in performance-based grants
The State of Indiana announced $30 million in grants Thursday to 1,317 schools around Indiana to reward their performance on the state standardized tests and graduation rates.
Watchdog urged prosecutor to seek Bennett charges
In a letter, Indiana’s top ethics watchdog notified a local prosecutor of evidence suggesting former schools chief Tony Bennett violated the state’s “ghost employment” and federal wire fraud laws.
Board takes control of state takeover from Ritz
Wide-ranging recommendations by the Indiana Board of Education also ask the Legislature for more funding and a quicker path to take over schools, and even school districts.
Bennett probe recommended prosecution for fraud
The investigation of former Indiana schools Superintendent Tony Bennett found more than 100 instances in which he or his employees violated federal law. The state’s formal report in February minimized the infractions, and Bennett has never faced prosecution.
After uncertainty, Ballard’s preschool plan passes easily
The City-County Council voted Monday night to approve a $40 million public-private preschool partnership between the city, business and philanthropic leaders.
IPS OKs Shortridge High School student shift over objections
Some parents complained the move, which will bring more International Baccalaureate students to Shortridge, puts the interests of affluent north-side families ahead of those of other families.
GOP leaders say education funding to be focus of 2015 session
Republican legislative leaders want to restore their credibility among Indiana teachers with proposals they say will mean more money for education and drive more dollars into classrooms and away from administration.
Bosma: Dysfunctional relationship in education needs to stop
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he’s thinking about whether to pursue legislation to make the state superintendent of public instruction an appointed rather than elected position.
Chamber to push appointed schools chief, Sunday booze sales
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce wants the state schools superintendent to be appointed by the governor in 2016, setting the stage for another acrimonious education battle.
Charters’ grades fall, spurring concerns
The percentage of Marion County charter schools receiving a D or an F from state regulators has spiked from 30 percent two years ago to 54 percent this year.
IPS plan would close Key, shift programs at four schools
One of Indianapolis Public Schools' most famous schools would shut down and four others would see dramatic changes to their offerings under a plan presented to the school board Tuesday night.
Ballard’s charter school office could start charging schools a fee
As part of the negotiations over the city budget and a preschool proposal, a 1-percent charter school management fee is being considered.
Indiana sees big increase in A-graded schools
More schools received As and fewer had Fs under grades the Indiana State Board of Education assigned Wednesday.
Council leaders, mayor find $15M for pre-K scholarships
City-County Council Democrats and Republicans have agreed on alternative sources to fund a preschool program proposed by Mayor Greg Ballard, which also would include $20 million from private sources.
Expected low turnout makes IPS races hard to predict
On the line is whether the district will continue to move toward cooperation with charter schools and the business community, or instead slow the move toward aggressive reforms.
Private equity group confirms Herff Jones buyout
Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group say the purchase—reportedly for $1.5 billion—ensures the educational-products company “has the capital structure, resources, and financial flexibility” to further expand.
Number of Indiana students using vouchers jumps dramatically
Democrats released the numbers Friday, saying they are evidence that the voucher program supported by Republicans is stealing money from public schools.
IPS dumps Teach Plus contract as board members trade barbs
The school board reversed course and dumped a contract with a national teacher program, as angry board members accused each other of playing politics.
IPS board president calls meeting on Teach Plus contract
The special meeting sends signals that the board could back out of the $750,000 program, which apparently was launched in IPS before the board formally approved it last week.