Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) celebrated a milestone at James Whitcomb Riley School 43 on Friday, Sept. 7 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the campus’ newly renovated black box theater, music rooms, and gymnasium stage.

This event highlighted the enhancements made possible by the district’s Rebuilding Stronger Capital Referendum, showcasing significant upgrades to the school’s facilities. The referendum was approved by voters in May 2023 to support facility improvements at 23 IPS schools, including James Whitcomb Riley.

“Every groundbreaking and every ribbon-cutting is an opportunity to remember the promises we made when voters approved our district’s Rebuilding Stronger,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. “We promised a high-quality education to all kids in Indianapolis. More choices for families. Buildings that are safe, warm, and welcoming. Higher salaries for teachers. And opportunities beginning as early as pre-K. We are fulfilling those promises, and we invite you to see the results for yourself at James Whitcomb Riley School 43.”

The construction project at School 43 began in May and was completed earlier this month. The new spaces will accommodate the school’s new Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) education model, which was adopted at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. IPS now offers eight new educational models, including VPA, to every family in the district as part of the Rebuilding Stronger plan. School 43 is the new VPA elementary school for Zones 1 and 2.

“I can’t wait for the community to see the new and improved School 43,” said Crishell Sam, principal of James Whitcomb Riley. “The quality of our buildings sends a signal to kids about what we believe is possible for them, and with these new spaces, our students are going to see and feel like the sky is the limit. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the Indianapolis community for believing in our students, our teachers, our school, and IPS.”