Education Group Backs IPS Move

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An education advocacy group is supporting a decision by Indianapolis Public Schools to eliminate several administrative positions and not renew contracts for principals at some low-performing schools. Stand for Children Indiana Executive Director Justin Ohlemiller says budget issues and “unacceptably low graduation rates” make tough decisions necessary.

Indianapolis, Ind. — Stand for Children Indiana Executive Director Justin Ohlemiller released the following statement on the IPS School Board’s vote last night to eliminate administrative positions and decline the renewal of some principal contracts at low-performing schools.

“Any time people lose their jobs, it's a difficult situation. The principals and administrators who were affected by the IPS School Board’s decision last night should be thanked for their service and commitment to the district.

“It's tough decisions like this, however, that have to be made to increase the level of student success in IPS. Superintendent Dr. Lewis Ferebee and the board showed leadership last night by taking another step that prioritizes student success in the classroom.

“Despite declining enrollment, struggling schools, unacceptably low graduation rates, and a massive budget gap, IPS has historically refused to take necessary action to adjust course. Dr. Ferebee and the board are sending a clear message that students' success and lives matter above all else, and for IPS to survive and thrive, it has to improve significantly.

“Our members and stakeholders at Stand Indiana support Dr. Ferebee and the IPS board in their continued work to transform IPS into a school district that gives every child a chance to graduate ready for college or career success.”

Stand for Children Indiana is a non-partisan, student-focused education advocacy group. Stand has more than 8,000 supporters in Indiana. For more information, visit www.stand.org/IN

Source: Stand for Children Indiana