Pike Township cancels in-person school due to bus driver absences
Superintendent Flora Reichanadter tweeted that a confluence of driver illness, planned medical leave, and the general shortage of bus drivers led to many routes without drivers.
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Rising COVID-19 rates bring back masks at local school districts
Districts such as Washington Township have found themselves caught in the middle of a political and public health maelstrom, trying to balance changing health guidance amid the delta surge with the demands of parents and desire for in-person learning.
Vaccinated teachers, students don’t need masks, CDC says in new guidelines
The relaxed guidelines come amid a national vaccination campaign in which children as young as 12 are eligible to get shots, as well as a general decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.
COVID vaccine hesitancy among Black, Latino students concerns local officials
Marion County officials hope to ramp up vaccinations among 12- to 18-year-olds before the start of the school year to enable relaxed masking and social distancing restrictions.
Local firm looking to clear the air on buses, trains
The startup has already signed deals with schools and metro bus services in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Fort Wayne and Jacksonville, Florida. The firm also rolled out a system two months ago for rail cars and has it in place in Philadelphia.
Marion County parents question school closures, urge county to reconsider
A coalition of parents is pushing back on Marion County’s recent public health order that will close schools to in-person instruction for about eight weeks, especially when bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open.
The Mind Trust to open 22 virtual learning sites in Marion County
The sites serve as hubs where small groups of students are provided weekday virtual learning supervision and support at no cost to families.
Indiana planning to revamp school A-F grades
At a meeting Tuesday, the board discussed a framework drafted by its staff that offered several ideas for updating the school accountability system.
Charter backers battle to preserve edge on IPS school board
With four seats on the seven-member board up for election, the outcome could easily shift the balance of power in the district.
When school is home and home is school, which rules prevail?
In the learn-from-home world, educators are encountering friction when extending regular classroom discipline and decorum into young people’s previously private spaces.
IPS board candidates debate innovation schools, racial equity, budget cuts
Four seats on the seven-member board are up for election Nov. 3. Advocacy groups have drawn the usual battle lines between candidates who back innovation schools and those who are skeptical of the strategy.
State launching new guidelines for schools during pandemic
The color-coded system, expected to go live Wednesday, assigns scores to counties based on three key metrics: the number of new cases per 100,000 residents, positivity percentage and change in percent positivity from the previous week.
Governor, House speaker say they’re committed to fully funding schools
But the leader of the Indiana Senate doubles down on his statement that he can’t guarantee full funding for schools that don’t offer an in-person option for students.
Top GOP lawmaker says schools might see less funding if all classes taught online
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray sent a letter to school leaders on Thursday that said there’s “no guarantee” schools that choose not to resume any in-person classes due to health and safety concerns will receive 100% of expected funding.
Washington Township calls off in-person instruction for start of new school year
Washington Township will only offer virtual instruction when school begins this year, a shift in course for the Indianapolis district that had planned to open in-person and full-time with an online option.
Indianapolis school districts to open on scheduled start dates
School districts across Indianapolis will reopen for the upcoming academic year with in-person instruction and offer virtual instruction for students who are uncomfortable or unable to return to classrooms, according to a letter shared by districts Wednesday.
Washington Township school referendums appear headed toward approval
Meanwhile, the final results of Beech Grove City Schools’ referendums were still being counted Tuesday night, but voters looked to be on the way to approving the $22.4 million funding request.
Indiana school closures remain optional as other states order students home
More than 200 of Indiana’s nearly 300 districts have closed after consultations with local health officials. But, in at least 21 states, officials have ordered closures to try to stop spread of COVID-19.
UPDATE: Public schools in Marion, Hamilton counties closing
Mayor Joe Hogsett said that left unchecked, the coronavirus “has the potential to wreak untold damage on our families and the very social safety net that protects our most vulnerable residents.”
Gov. Holcomb bans gatherings of 250 or more, makes it easier for schools to close
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” Holcomb said in a statement. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”