On Feb. 28, IPS and members of the district’s Rebuilding Stronger Reorganization Committee kicked off the first meeting of Phase 2 of the Rebuilding Stronger Initiative. The meeting was held at Arlington Middle School.
After introductions, committee members and the IPS administration and Board:
- Shared one word that describes the future of the district we’re trying to create
- Watched the documentary “Attucks: The School That Opened a City”
- Reviewed some of the district’s data
- Shared questions they would like answered to help inform reorganization planning
Highlights from Meeting 1
One Word Descriptions
Using one word, committee members described the district we aspire to co-create together:
- Inclusive
- Enduring
- Excellence
- Revitalized
- Linguistically Responsive
- Equitable
- Resilient
- Innovative
- Successful
- Strong
- Stronger
- Transformative
- Competitive
- Unapologetic
- Opportunity
- Responsive
- Accessible
- Equitable
- Responsibility
- Thriving
- Vigor
- Sustainable
- Grit
- Game Changing
- Just
- High Performing
- Amazing
- Passionate
- Collaborative
- Exceptional
- Determined
- Inspiring
- Stewardship
- Innovative
- Unlimited
- Legendary
- Parent Power
- Persevere
- Vigorous
- Triumphant
- Teamwork
- Opportunities
- Indispensable
Reflections from “Attucks: The School That Opened a City”
Committee members shared the following reflections after watching the documentary, “Attucks: The School That Opened a City.” The documentary shows the unfiltered history of IPS.
Reflections included:
- “As I listened to the dates being shared, I realized this story, this trauma has impacted three generations of my family: my mom, me and now my kids.”
- “My family had to be dishonest and disruptive so I could attend the school we wanted that was closest to where we lived.”
- “I could have walked to Arlington, but was instead bussed to the suburbs.”
- “I was not aware that the IPS School Board was consumed by the Ku Klux Klan. I thought they were an outside force. They were instead part of the system.”
- “I think this all happened a long time ago, but in fact it was not very long ago. My parents were removed by police from a school that was within walking distance.”
- “Because of the impact of interstate, my grandparents lost their home and business.”
- “IPS had been desegregated then resegregated. Shows how quickly we can go backwards, especially now in light of current legislation. We must keep fighting.”
- “Causes related to living conditions: not enough care, not enough concern, not enough courage.”
- “(The documentary is) timely, given House Bill 1134. It did not pass, thankfully.”
- “Importance of teaching the unvarnished and full truth and history. Some of my history has been white washed. Accurate history is important.”
- “Important to ask ourselves: What has NOT changed?”
- “A letter from a parent sparked something — locally and nationally.”
Inquiring Minds
Before the meeting ended, committee members shared questions they like answered to inform reorganization planning. Questions will be answered during upcoming meetings.
Questions included:
- How many/what percentage of the facilities are severely under enrolled?
- How is IPS monitoring proficiency across schools/subgroups?
- Are there plans to set/adjust Board goals (50% ILEARN pass rate) seeing as though the Board set these prior to the release of ILEARN?
- What percentage of teachers received satisfactory ratings from the 2020–21 school year?
- What percentage of leaders received satisfactory ratings from the 2020–21 school year?
- What percentage of IPS school buildings have low enrollment? How low is low?
- Do we have data on college completion for IPS graduates? Please disaggregate by race, school, ELL, SPED, and other relevant demographics.
- Which IPS and Innovation Network schools are the most expensive (per pupil) to operate and why?
- What are the choice versus neighborhood parent communication strategies?
- What is the facility comparison with neighborhood versus choice schools?
- Is another referendum possible for an increase in funding?
- What are the technology compatibility phases?
- Does the ILEARN data include Innovation schools?
- What is the composite score rating?
- Will IPS be able to actually fund an equitable education and experience for all scholars?
- What is the impact of the IndyGo partnership on students? Is it a good idea?
- Does the student experience include all students connected to IPS (Innovation and all others in partnership)?