Others Taking Notes on Indy School ‘Ecosystem’
Two major players in the Indianapolis education reform movement say the city is being held up as a national model. The chief executive officer of The Mind Trust, which is headquartered in the city, says Indianapolis is the best place in the country for innovators to start a school. David Harris says charter schools continue to be strong performers and the city’s supportive ecosystem is the "envy" of other metropolitan areas, from local and state regulations to leadership at the school and municipal levels. He adds districts in cities such as Cincinnati, Memphis and San Antonio are trying to emulate the model. Harris was joined by Indy Chamber CEO Michael Huber on our (i) on Education segment and said the business community is playing a key role in pushing for improving educational outcomes.
Both Huber and Harris agree that for improvements to take hold, high-level, reform-minded leaders must be in place. For that reason, Huber says the chamber took a keen interest in the most recent Indianapolis Public School Board elections.
Legislation approved in 2014 paved the way for autonomous schools to open within IPS. Huber says the proliferation of charter schools in the city during the mayoral administrations of both Bart Peterson and Greg Ballard gives families and students options, which he believes is important for a quality work force of the future. He says all students learn differently and choice is beneficial.