Indiana schools to get separate state, federal grades
Schools will receive grades this year from a state accountability law and through the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
Public schools
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Three Indianapolis charter schools to close, but six preparing to open
In many parts of the city, the proliferation of charter schools is pushing the school choice conversation beyond simply providing more options to focusing on the quality of those options.
Developers swoon over Broad Ripple High School opportunity
The 16-acre property could command $6 million to $8 million from developers, but a state law might prevent Indianapolis Public Schools from cashing in.
YMCA, Westfield schools plan $35M branch, natatorium near Grand Park
The development, proposed for the southwest corner of Wheeler Road and 181st Street, could be started in spring 2019 and open in fall 2020 if approvals are received and fundraising goals are met, YMCA and school officials said.
Retirement offer from Indianapolis Public Schools taken by 87 teachers
The payments were offered to educators who notified the district by April 20 that they planned to retire. The district emailed teachers this week to tell them the agreement was approved and they would receive the payments.
Indianapolis Public Schools budget plan could include layoffs, salary freezes
The finance update outlines a plan for cutting nearly $21 million from the cash-strapped district’s $269 million general fund budget for 2018-19.
Indianapolis Public Schools sees upheaval in teaching ranks
The IPS district is seeing some of the effects of high school closings and budget woes on educators. Here’s a look at the latest numbers.
IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee withdraws as candidate for same job in Los Angeles
Ferebee said he made the call after discussing his options with his family, IPS board members and those handling the L.A. search process.
Architectural firm Odle McGuire Shook helps schools become safer
Currently, the firm is overseeing building expansions at Mt. Vernon Middle School in Fortville and Delta High School in Muncie. Both projects include plans to make the buildings more secure.
UPDATE: Indianapolis Public Schools’ Lewis Ferebee a finalist to lead Los Angeles schools
Ferebee has made a name for himself nationally by overhauling IPS, converting low-performing schools into “innovation schools” run by outside charter operators but still under the district’s umbrella.
Indianapolis Public Schools offers buyouts to up to 150 teachers
A minimum of 100 and a maximum of 150 educators would have to accept the offer for the district to go through with it. If 150 teachers accept the $20,000, the payouts could cost the district as much as $3 million.
Salesforce gives IPS $500K grant to boost tech-focused high school program
The money will fund laptops, desktop computers, wireless high-speed internet and other tech-related needs for a new academy opening at George Washington High School next fall.
Indianapolis turns up effort to lure more experienced teachers
It’s the newest effort by Indianapolis education leaders to build the pool of teachers at a time when many schools struggle to fill teaching vacancies and rely on temporary educators.
Mind Trust CEO Harris leaving education reform group after years of influencing IPS
Brandon Brown, the senior vice president of the group who previously worked under Mayor Greg Ballard as charter school director, will succeed David Harris as CEO.
IPS has second chance to learn playbook, cram for referendum
The school district’s decision to postpone planned ballot measures for $725 million raises questions about why leadership couldn’t get it right the first time.
Indiana Senate backs control shift on troubled schools
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill further reducing the power of the Gary school board while allowing Ball State University to take over Muncie's schools.
Indiana House approves statewide school-safety audit
The measure passed Monday on a 96-0 vote. It comes in the wake of a Parkland, Florida, school shooting that left 17 dead.
IPS delays tax-hike referendums to November after criticism
Indianapolis Public Schools is backing off on its plan to ask voters in May to support a major tax hike to pay for the city’s schools, instead deciding to work with the Indy Chamber to revise its proposal and delay the referendums until November.
IPS considers scheduling revamp, but families see practical problems
Students in Indianapolis’ largest district will likely start and end school at different times next year. But when it comes to choosing a new schedule, the district is facing tension.
Political Action Committee formed to back IPS tax-hike referendums
Local business and community leaders have formed a political action committee, named “Vote Yes for IPS,” to support the upcoming May 8 primary referendums.