Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) continues to see positive changes under its Rebuilding Stronger initiative, aimed at tackling academic and financial challenges through district reorganization. In a presentation to the IPS Board of School Commissioners, Portfolio Strategy Analyst Phil Gonzalez shared significant updates on the progress of this transformative plan.

Rebuilding Stronger focuses on reorganizing schools, creating new enrollment zones, upgrading facilities, and expanding access to high-performing programs and free preschool. Gonzalez noted that since the 2022–23 school year, there has been an increase in enrollment in high-demand programs, with participation in STEM and International Baccalaureate courses more than doubling.

Gonzalez emphasized that these changes align with the district’s core values of racial equity and providing a rigorous education. He highlighted Brookside School 54 as a success story, where student mobility decreased by 14 percentage points. Principal Shauna Lipscomb attributed this stability to Rebuilding Stronger's impact.

“The quality of education at Brookside has given families a reason to stay," Lipscomb said. "We’ve seen families who were once hesitant to commit now planting roots and getting more involved in our school community."

Lipscomb added that Rebuilding Stronger has allowed for more enrichment opportunities, improved staff culture, and stronger partnerships with organizations invested in the school's success. She noted that families are noticing these shifts and choosing to remain connected with Brookside.

Additionally, Gonzalez reported improvements in school facilities as part of the initiative's success. By the 2024–25 school year, 32% of IPS students attended schools rated “Good” or better compared to 27% two years prior. These enhancements support the district's aim to create inspiring learning environments.

Overall, Rebuilding Stronger is reshaping IPS into a system where opportunities are distributed equitably and efficiently while fostering vibrant and stable school communities.