The Neighborhood Charter Network, the school’s Board, voted to not renew its Innovation agreement with IPS
On Feb. 15, the Neighborhood Charter Network (NCN) Board voted to not renew its Innovation agreement with Indianapolis Public Schools to continue operating Kindezi Academy @ Joyce Kilmer 69 after the 2021–22 school year.
NCN chose not to pursue a 1-year conditional extension agreement from IPS that would have taken the school through the 2022–23 school year, citing high student mobility, which it said inhibited the school’s high-quality inputs and impacted desired results, and current facility conditions.
The Innovation operator, whose charter is granted through the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation, has managed Kindezi for the last five-and-a-half years.
“IPS is disappointed in the Neighborhood Charter Network’s decision to no longer operate Kindezi Academy @ Joyce Kilmer School 69 after the 2021–22 school year. However, presented with this reality only four months before the end of the school year, we now face a difficult decision of determining what comes next,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson.
“As we move forward, we are working with Kindezi leadership to ensure a smooth transition for all families. We will share our best thinking and recommendations for the future with Kindezi families as well as the IPS Board of School Commissioners next week. While this is an incredibly challenging situation, we will continue to keep the well-being of students and families at the center of our decision-making.”