House committee passes tighter rules for virtual schools
House Bill 1172, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, outlines new rules to better assess and guide the educators, parents and students engaged in virtual school.
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Panel backs proposal to move up appointing state schools chief
Indiana’s governor would begin appointing the state schools superintendent in 2021 instead of 2025, under a proposal endorsed Wednesday by the House Education Committee. Voters traditionally have elected the superintendent.
Legislators try to get tighter grip on virtual charter schools
New proposals stem from recommendations made by education officials, including potential solutions to low test scores and graduation rates, a lack of student and parent participation, and the need to improve their oversight.
Gov. Holcomb announces plan to pay off pension liability, free up money for teacher raises
On Tuesday night, Holcomb said in his State of the State speech that the state will use $150 million from its surplus to pay off a teacher pension liability that schools have been gradually paying down.
IBJ Podcast: What will The Mind Trust’s big infusion of cash mean for Indy schools?
The Mind Trust CEO Brandon Brown sat down with host Mason King to explain the group’s mission, its cooperation with Indianapolis Public Schools and how the new funding will help it ramp up its work.
Indy Eleven downplays Broad Ripple High School as potential stadium site
The Indy Eleven has expressed interest in the former Broad Ripple High School site as a potential location for its proposed stadium development, but the team tapped the brakes on that possibility Friday, noting it is continuing to evaluate multiple options.
IPS board aims for a quick search process to select the new superintendent
The board hopes to announce a formal process for selecting a superintendent next week. Ideally, it would like to conclude the search around March without using an outside firm.
$24M in grants to help fuel Mind Trust’s second act
The education-reform group, deep in its execution phase, is seeking to prove its vision is working for kids.
House teacher pay plan clears first hurdle, but critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough
A Republican bill calling on districts to raise teacher pay by making other budget cuts passed an Indiana House of Representatives education committee vote Wednesday, despite sharp criticism from school officials and education advocates.
Indiana Republicans suggest schools cut costs to raise teacher pay
The goal for school districts would be to use 85 percent or more of their state funding for instruction-related costs, such as teacher salaries.
Indiana’s high school graduation rate ticks up slightly
Indiana graduation rates have held relatively steady since 2011, fluctuating by small amounts each year.
Local tech company lets parents track their kids’ bus
Indianapolis-based Synovia Solutions’ Here Comes the Bus app has attracted 1.2 million registered users and 300,000 daily users in 3-1/2 years.
IPS board signs off on raises for teachers in new contract
The new contract includes pay bumps ranging from 3 to 9 percent, with most eligible teachers’ salaries going up by at least $2,586 per year. But it also has provisions that teachers unions have typically opposed.
State tax revenue projected to grow, but new money will barely cover increased costs
State fiscal leaders heard some good and bad news about the state budget Monday morning in a highly anticipated revenue forecast that predicted tax receipts for the next two years.
IPS board taps deputy superintendent to serve as interim leader
Aleesia Johnson was picked to replace the departing Lewis Ferebee. She will be the first African-American woman to lead the district.
Indiana superintendent seeks 3 percent increase in education funding
Lawmakers have expressed support for increasing teacher pay in the next two-year budget, but the size of Jennifer McCormick’s request could be much more than what’s available.
IPS leader Ferebee takes top job in Washington, D.C., school district
Lewis Ferebee will be the next chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, officials announced Monday, leaving a leadership hole at Indianapolis Public Schools, where he has served for five years.
IPS leader Ferebee a finalist for job in Washington, D.C.
Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lewis Ferebee is a finalist for the open Washington, D.C., schools chief job, according to someone with knowledge of the search process.
Future looks brighter in Martindale-Brightwood with new library, high school, community center
Residents of the struggling neighborhood showed up in force on Tuesday morning to celebrate milestones they said represented much-needed change and progress.
Another gay Roncalli counselor alleges discrimination at school
A 39-year employee filed a discrimination charge Friday with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Roncalli High School.