Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has issued a statement expressing strong opposition to House Bill 1136. The proposed legislation seeks to dissolve five school corporations, including IPS, by converting schools to charter status and eliminating local school boards. According to IPS, this move could undermine local authority and community control over public education.

"Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) strongly opposes House Bill 1136 or any bill this legislative session that threatens local authority and community control of public schools," the statement reads. IPS argues that the bill could destabilize financial foundations and jeopardize the education of approximately 42,000 students.

The district warns that HB 1136 could cause significant disruption to the public school system by diverting attention and resources from essential educational support. "This legislation is not student-focused and fails to reflect the community’s input on how they envision their public schools thriving," IPS stated.

In recent years, IPS has worked with stakeholders to achieve milestones in student success, staff stability, and innovative educational opportunities. Currently, IPS partners with 30 innovation schools offering diverse choices for families. Over the past decade, graduation rates have increased from 60% to 87%, reflecting community commitment and support.

"Our publicly elected governance team, in alignment with Dr. Aleesia Johnson and the IPS administrative team remain flexibly open and responsive to the dynamic needs of our entire community," the statement continued.

IPS urges state legislators to collaborate with them and the community in shaping Indianapolis's educational future. They emphasize that imposing solutions without local input undermines progress made through years of collaboration. "Urban education systems face complex, nuanced challenges that may be unfamiliar to some policymakers," they noted.

The district invites legislators committed to public education to visit their facilities for firsthand insight into their mission and vision.