Grading problems delay release of 2018 ISTEP results
It is unclear when test results will be released. Results had been expected to be made public next week.
Public schools
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IPS starts process of finding new uses for Broad Ripple, John Marshall high schools
IPS is first seeking potential “civic and public uses” for the schools. But it also plans to study other opportunities, such as residential, retail or commercial opportunities.
With common enrollment, IPS magnet schools land 1,000 more applications
A new application system that allowed families to apply to many schools through a single website dramatically increased the number of students seeking spots in Indianapolis Public Schools magnet programs.
IPS’ big ask: What a $220 million referendum means for the district and its taxpayers
The district says that, to keep its main priority on the table—raising money for salary increases for teachers and staff—it made tradeoffs that could leave it financially vulnerable down the road.
Educator Eugene White to retire as president of Martin University
White, a former superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, was hired in 2013 to put the university on surer footing. The black liberal arts college on the city’s east side had seen a string of presidents come and go since the retirement of its co-founder in 2007.
Key lawmakers urge IPS to lease Broad Ripple High School to charter school
In a letter to Superintendent Lewis Ferebee and the IPS board, nine lawmakers urged the district to quickly accept a verbal offer to lease the building for up to $8 million.
Indianapolis schools land $7.5 million to fight drug abuse
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation announced Tuesday that it would give $7.5 million in grants to 24 Marion County schools and districts to help fund substance-use prevention.
Campaign for IPS referendums gets a $100K boost from advocacy group
Stand for Children Indiana will also launch a vast door-knocking campaign in support of two referendums requesting an extra $272 million from taxpayers, the group announced Thursday.
Gary Schools gets bid for just one of 33 former school properties
The emergency manager who oversees the financially struggling Gary school district put 33 closed schools up for sale, but only one property received interest.
Even as IPS plans big cuts, construction of new buildings still possible
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee, who has made reducing the real estate owned by the district a cornerstone of his administration, mentioned the possibility of constructing new buildings during a media briefing this week.
UPDATE: Indianapolis Public Schools again scales back referendum to win chamber support
The new proposal—which comes after a week of intense negotiations between the district and the chamber—passed 5-0 at a meeting Tuesday night.
Memory Bank: Running the presses
This photo, taken in 1915, shows students operating printing presses at Arsenal Technical High School.
Noblesville district seeks tax hike to fund more security at schools
Noblesville Schools announced Tuesday that it wants to expand its operating referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot. The hike would bring in an additional $50 million over eight years while doubling taxes under the current referendum.
IPS board votes to ask taxpayers for $315M, rejecting Indy Chamber’s plan
The school board pledged to continue discussions in the next week with the Indy Chamber, which released an alternative proposal last week calling for massive spending cuts and a significantly smaller tax increase.
IPS could reduce potential tax request by half-billion dollars, consultants say
In a plan unveiled Wednesday, the Indy Chamber is proposing sweeping cuts to save Indianapolis Public Schools nearly $500 million over eight years—and drastically slash the amount the district would seek from taxpayers in referendums.
IPS cancels contracts for 26 educators, 46 other staffers
The revelation that about 1 percent of the district’s teaching force will have its contracts canceled comes after weeks of uncertainty over how many teachers might lose their jobs.
Chamber eyes closures, cuts to help IPS manage budget issues
The Indy Chamber said it has “identified dozens of recommendations that add up to hundreds of millions of dollars in potential savings” for Indianapolis Public Schools.
IPS considers selling downtown headquarters
The building, which sits on a 1.7-acre lot at 120 E. Walnut St., has served as the district's home since 1960.
Indiana continues to see teacher shortages amid drop in pay
Enrollment in teaching programs and those graduating with teaching degrees declined 37 percent from 2004 through 2014.
Teachers’ frustration extends well beyond pay, but would they walk out?
Teachers say that, beyond compensation issues, they are grappling with inadequate school funding, a lack of respect from some parents and community members, and increased school-safety concerns.