Parents of students in the IPS district express worries and hopes for the expansion of charter schools.

The Indianapolis Public School board is facing a tough decision on the number of charter or innovation schools to support, with parent opinions divided on the matter. More than 1,000 parents have signed a petition asking for more charter schools, citing better academic results for students of color. On the other hand, some parents are urging the district to hold off on approving more charter schools until the effects of the Rebuilding Stronger plan are clear.

The resolution discussed at the recent meeting called for greater collaboration among all types of public schools within IPS, including traditional public, innovation, and charter schools. It also outlined a plan for the administration to provide updates on the application process for innovation and charter schools by August 2024.

Advocacy groups like EmpowerED Families have been pushing for more innovation schools, highlighting their success in closing the opportunity gap for minority students. However, other parents are concerned about the rapid changes happening in the district and the lack of transparency in decision-making.

After hearing from parents at the meeting, the IPS school board decided to draft a new resolution for further discussion at an upcoming committee meeting. The final resolution will be voted on at the board’s June 27 meeting. The debate over charter and innovation schools in IPS is far from over, with parents on both sides of the issue voicing their concerns and hopes for the future of education in the district.