Control over Indianapolis schools being debated by city-led group
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The mayor of Indianapolis already has the power to open and close new charter schools, but the office could soon gain control over all schools in Center Township.
Why it matters: Giving the mayor additional authority over the city's education system is one option on the table as the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance prepares to deliver its recommendations to the Indiana General Assembly.
Driving the news: The alliance presented options for redistributing resources and authority for schools within the Indianapolis Public Schools boundaries at a 3-hour long meeting Wednesday night — following months of meeting, study and public input.
The big picture: Lawmakers created the alliance to determine a more efficient and equitable system.
- In short, there are too many schools — a combination of traditional public schools and charter schools — within the IPS boundaries.
- The system is complicated and uneven, with some schools offering more services and opportunities than others.
State of play: Initially, the group focused on how to manage transportation and facilities with limited resources, but alliance members said it became clear that questions of governance — who runs the entire system — needed answering.
- Alliance consultant Michael O'Connor said no decisions have yet been made, with the group still weighing options and public input.
Zoom in: The group developed four options for what control of schools in the IPS boundary could look like going forward, ranging from little change (with the IPS board overseeing the entire system) to dissolving the elected board and allowing a new mayor-appointed board to manage instead.
- A hybrid system with representatives from both IPS and charter schools is also possible, as is a mayor-appointed secretary of education who would serve as the final authority over the elected IPS and charter boards.
Between the lines: The sexual harassment scandal surrounding Mayor Joe Hogsett and his administration for the last year is likely complicating the decision.
- It's eroded the trust of some constituencies now reluctant to cede the power of an elected board — currently made up of seven women of color — to Hogsett, public commenters at the meeting said.
- Plus: Residents in all nine townships of Marion County vote for mayor, not just those who live in Center Township.
Decisions about the management of transportation and school buildings also need to be made.
- Offering bus transportation for all schools, including some charter schools that don't currently offer it, is a priority for many constituents and alliance members.
- The level of service to offer is still up for debate, with the cost ranging between $48 million and $58 million annually.
Who manages those services and buildings is also up for debate.
- A collaborative model, with a board made of representatives from IPS and charter schools, is one option.
- An independent advisory board that makes decisions for all schools is another.
What's next: Another public comment session will be scheduled for the first week of December.
- After options are winnowed down, a series of community meetings will be held around the city.
- A final public comment period and vote on the recommendations will be held at 6pm Dec. 17 at the City-County Building.