Takeover Recommended of Four IPS Schools
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett is recommending the state takeover four of six failing Indianapolis Public Schools. Bennett is says the the state should take control of Manual, Howe, Arlington and Emma Donnan schools. Broad Ripple High School and George Washington will not be taken over by the State but will be assigned a lead partner to help it with its math and reading scores.
The other four schools will be managed by private entities. Arlington will be taken over by Ed Power, a company that operates Charles Tindley Charter School in Indianapolis. Emma Donnan Middle School, Manual and Howe High schools will be taken over by Charter Schools USA. Although all six schools failed to make it off academic probation for a sixth consecutive year, state officials say George Washington Community school and Broad Ripple have strong community partners so a total takeover was not necessary.
IPS officials have threatened to go to court to stop the takeover, saying the state counted the test scores of 7th and 8th graders in its community high schools. The State counter argues that IPS is being treated like every other school district in Indiana. The State Board of Education will make a final decision on Bennett’s recommendations next week.
And before anyone starts to castigate the State for intervening and taking over failing schools you should point your fingers at the clowns who attempt to pass themselves off as educators at 120 E. Walnut who have been engaging in educational malpractice and not addressing these problems five years ago when the schools were first put on probation. And while you’re at it, blame yourself for not showing up either.
