🚨S&P recently revised IPS' debt rating outlook to negative. "We could lower the rating if the district's structural deficit persists into fiscal 2027, causing reserves to fall below policy-mandated levels without a credible plan to rebuild them." https://t.co/B1GnsZ4ozc

FACT: IPS projects it will run out of money next school year. REALITY CHECK: The property tax sharing provisions from this year’s legislative session don’t kick in until 2028. IPS’ financial crisis existed long before recent funding reforms. Urgent structural change is needed.

Big congrats to Senator Linda Rogers for winning the Charter Champion award from the Indiana Charter Innovation Center (@INCharterInno)! Senator Rogers is a fierce advocate for children and someone I deeply admire.

Reinventing Report Cards: Reading, Writing, Collaboration and Other Work Skills @The74

If this is true, it’s a major misallocation of resources. Indy’s largest district spends $24K+ per-student while the highest performing charter spends $14K. If charters have smaller class sizes from 40% less spending, the question becomes: Where is the district money going?

In Indianapolis, we must face the fact that our city’s largest district is months away from insolvency while its property tax revenue has increased by 125% since 2018 even amid steep enrollment declines. The most pro-IPS position is one that pursues urgent structural change.

Excellent article by @JDLugbill highlighting what is happening in Indiana to improve outcomes for students. Building a new American high school

Really appreciated this piece by Andrew Neal on rethinking how we move students across Indy. It skips the “charter vs. IPS” debate and focuses on what matters—kids. It’s time to imagine an independent transportation system that serves all students. 👏 https://t.co/GZcgiGWSF7

IPS spent an average of $24,226 per-pupil in FY24. The highest per-pupil expenditure was at Harshman Middle School, a high ability and dual language school, at $31,496. These figures EXCLUDE $178M in expenses, such as debt service. Source: ESSA report https://t.co/iWhubjfrmt

While IPS spent $24,226 per-pupil (excluding debt service) in FY24, Paramount Brookside spent $14,247 -- a difference of $9,979. There are more Black students enrolled in Paramount's Indy campuses who are proficient in both math & ELA than all direct-run IPS schools combined.

The University of Arkansas found that Indianapolis charter schools are the most cost-effective and produce the highest ROI out of any city studied. As civic leaders examine structural changes to head off insolvency in IPS, we already have a model that is proven to work.

The IPS Board “seems to want one set of rules for themselves and another for charter schools.” Worth a read. https://t.co/nONPEj6Rjs

The assumption is that suburban districts spend more than urban districts. That is not the case in Central Indiana. Here is Georgetown data comparing Carmel, Indiana to Indianapolis Public Schools. IPS spends over 60% more per pupil than one of the nation’s wealthiest suburbs.

According to federal reporting, IPS spent $24,226 per pupil last year. A separate Georgetown Edunomics Lab analysis shows that IPS schools make up the top 4, and 7 of the top 8, spending public schools in Indiana. IPS spends over 60% more than the average Indiana school.

Today the @IPSSchools Board released policy recommendations that would ignore the district’s financial emergency and prevent the growth of high-quality schools. Read our statement on the urgency of bold, structural reform to head off insolvency.

The Mind Trust’s "The State of Our Schools" series explores several of the systemic issues facing public schools within and near Indianapolis Public School boundaries. Our first installment discusses school governance—you can read it here: https://t.co/Oh0D3Rdf6p

IPS ran an $18M+ deficit during SY25 and projects a $44M deficit for SY26. IPS projects it will deplete its cash balance and rainy day fund by SY27, with a growing structural deficit after that. IPS has the opportunity to chart a new course. Urgent structural change is needed.

Look, the values here are pretty straightforward. Do you believe EVERY public school student deserves a quality school, a fair share of resources, access to transportation and quality facilities, rigorous accountability, and a sustainable governance model? ...or not?

This is a great example of what happens when a school is all in on every student. Congrats to the staff, students and parents at Enlace!

Certified net assessed values for Indianapolis Public Schools increased by 13.8% (11.1% excluding referendums) compared to last year, as enrollment continues to decline.