And we are underway. I'm watching from the lobby of the IPS building

It's a packed house. Standing room only now in the lobby. First upon the agenda is the IPS Writing Center, which is open in all 4 high schools as of August 2023.

Some quick success stats.

In addition to writing help, the Writing Center's programming also includes peer tutoring, after-school tutoring and STEM tutoring.

Right now, we're hearing from the Writing Speciliasts at the schools along with spotlight students,peer tutors, sharing their success stories

The principal from Rousseau McClellan 91, a Montessori school. Some background info and what a Montessori school provides

Some performance data, showing improved test scores, as Ms Lause says, in part due to focusing on making sure students feel safe, respected, and a part of community. Ms. Kathy Lause is the principal of School 91

Commisioner Alissa Impink talks about state legislation, specifically the state's Senate bill 518. She stands firm in her commitment to the students and parents. Here's a link a link with more information wfyi.org/news/articles/…

Dr. Gayle Cosby also speaks up. "It's not equitable, it's not fair to the students and their families... 518 has us all fighting over scraps" She reiterated her opposition to 518 and that all schools should be properly funded.

Now onto public comment. 90 second remarks, due to high volume of comments expected. Usually 3 min time

Teacher at school 82, asking to take action behind the statement against Senate bill 518. "We are looking for action...if 518 goes through, we are going to have to close schools....We need action so we can assure our students have all that they need."

Another comment from an IPS teacher, parent, union member, wants the Board to oppose 518. He's anti charter because they are anti union.

A few public comments about staff shortages, where special teachers (art, band, choir, etc) would be shared amongst the schools. "This room is full of teachers and we are asking you to remember us"

Sorry, specialist* teachers. Cutting specialist teachers and replace them with part time teachers(i.e. art, science, gym, theatre). Splitting their time between 2 schools. Both parents and students have come to the podium in opposition to this

A couple comments in favor of 518. Currently charter schools don't support public transportation due to finances. With 518 and funds allocated equally, charter schools could now provide transportation and students could have a chance to attend

Some have called out the Board for their change of tune from Jan. Then, Board opposed 518, understanding the detriment of the bills and the allocation of funds out of IPS. To their Feb 21 statement which is now much more lukewarm to the bill. myips.org/blog/district/…

"Educating our children, shouldn't be profit-based" says another commenter. "Our school is a family, one that we will not let IPS pull apart" says a student speaker

A call for each individual to come out specifically 518. She goes on to say "charter schools have their own boards, we need you [IPS Board] to take care of the public schools already existing"

A commenter and IPS teacher says "the reason I don't want my itty bitty $400 tax dollars going to charter schools is because I don't know what the money is going to.... There's a 2mil surplus, we don't need to split up my itty bitty $400"

With reduced budgets, suspected to close 20 schools. One parent is concerned about students with disabilities being properly cared for

Some students from Circle City Prep give their comments, in support of 518, sharing their success stories

We've just now concluded the public comment. Parents, teachers, and students showed out to voice their concerns over Bill 518

Another segment of tonight's meeting is going over the budget report.

After the budget report, a group from public comment section is now present and given the floor

Now back to the board, who are now asking questions the finance team.

There's still some questions being asked to the finance team, mostly clarification and pinpointed #s questions based on the presentation given tonight. Next section of the agenda is new business

New business consisted of passing resolutions from presentations from a meeting Tuesday. Now onto closing remarks

We've reached the end of the meeting, it was a long one, but very important! Be sure to keep up with the latest of bill 518, and all things IPS. on behalf of @mirrorindy @indydocumenters , have a good night!! Meeting adjourned 9:42