Overview
- In a 7-2 vote, the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance advanced two governance models that would reduce the elected Indianapolis Public Schools board’s authority.
- One option would create a three-way collaborative advisory board of IPS, mayoral, and charter appointees with power to levy property taxes and authorize charters.
- A second option would form a mayor-centered Indianapolis Education Authority led by a mayor-appointed secretary and a nine-member policy board that includes four members from the elected IPS board.
- The alliance also moved forward proposals to shift transportation and facilities oversight to new advisory bodies or independent authorities with powers such as setting transportation zones, managing buildings, and collecting property taxes.
- IPS leaders and allied groups promoted a 'Voice and a Choice' alternative concentrating authorizing power with the elected board, while charter advocates favored preserving multiple authorizers; public forums are set for Dec. 10 and Dec. 15, with a final vote on recommendations to state lawmakers on Dec. 17.